Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Martin Odegaard and Jesus Vallejo

Real Madrid youngster Martin Odegaard is reportedly set to join Eredivisie outfit SC Heerenveen on loan for the rest of the campaign.

According to Santiago Siguero of Marca (translated by Padraig Whelan), the Norway international "was in the Netherlands the day after Christmas to finalise the small details of the move,” and the loan switch will become official soon.

Siguero added that with Odegaard struggling to get near the starting XI at the Santiago Bernabeu, some time out on loan would be beneficial to his development as a player.

The 18-year-old has been plying his trade for Castilla mainly since signing for the European champions from Stromsgodset in 2015. Here is a look at some of his best moments for the team:

While the teenager recently made his first start for Los Blancos in senior football, it had been a long time coming:

A loan move seems to make the most sense for both Madrid and the player. Although Odegaard is still in the early stages of his career, at this point plenty would have expected him to have been pushing for a spot in the first-team squad at least, such was the furore over his talent upon signing.

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For any young player a temporary move can be a key part of their progression. Odegaard will not only learn plenty from playing regularly in a different division, but he could be enriched for the experience of being pushed out of his Castilla comfort zone too.

Additionally, there will be pressure on him to perform well with Heerenveen, such is his potential. The Dutch side have ambitions of their own to fulfil, as they sit in fourth place in the Eredivisie table and are hopeful of a push for a European spot in 2017.

Jesus Vallejo to Replace Pepe

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According to Marca, Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane believes Jesus Vallejo is ready to fill the potential void left by Pepe should the Portugal international leave the Liga giants at the end of the season.

Per the report, "the decision has already been made; if Pepe leaves, Vallejo arrives." It's suggested Los Blancos want a player who can provide back-up rather than genuine competition to Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos during the 2017-18 season.

Vallejo has excelled on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt this term, and the Bundesliga side recently asked Real about extending the terms of his loan deal, according to Alvaro de la Rosa of AS. But with Pepe's contract set to expire at the end of the term, the 19-year-old is poised to become part of the first-team setup at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Despite his tender years, it's already clear the former Real Zaragoza man is capable of going a long way in the game:

Vallejo is sharp across the ground, reads the game well, and while the teenager is still growing into his frame, he uses his body well to win back possession. Per OptaJose, he's also comfortable on the ball:

Many tied to the Bernabeu club have earmarked Varane as the heir to the 33-year-old Pepe, although the Frenchman has been far from convincing when handed chances recently. That could open the door for Vallejo.

Of course, representing Madrid comes with a unique pressure and a remarkable amount of scrutiny. But with the career of one Los Blancos legend looking likely to end, Zidane may feel next season is the perfect time to set another in motion.