Real Madrid Transfer News: Bigger Role for Borja Mayoral Despite Exit Rumours

Real Madrid will reportedly not loan out or sell Borja Mayoral during the coming weeks and will instead hand the talented forward a bigger role as the main backup to Karim Benzema. 

According to Sergio Santos Chozas of AS, Real Betis and Deportivo Alaves both approached Los Blancos with proposals but were told he won't be leaving. At the end of last season, Mayoral told Gol (via Goal's Jamie Smith) he planned to leave the club.

Mayoral's career in the Spanish capital seemed all but over by the end of last season, as the Real academy graduate didn't play major minutes in the final months and was buried in the pecking order.

He had been productive when given the chance, per Marca, but those chances were rare:

The sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus changed everything, however. The 21-year-old is now the most experienced pure striker in the squad behind Benzema, and the Frenchman isn't known for his great scoring numbers as he's cracked the 20-goal mark just once in La Liga since 2012.

Per Chozas, Los Blancos are unwilling to spend a lot of money on a star forward, and even solid options at the position are too expensive these days. The club are reportedly confident Mayoral can score up to 20 goals, providing he gets ample playing time.

The report also stated manager Julen Lopetegui has been impressed by the youngster, who was one of the most productive forwards in Real's academy history. Frequently compared to club legend Raul, Mayoral also does his best work in and around the box, picking his spots and using his excellent nose for goal.

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Los Blancos seem determined to trust their youngsters this year, and the squad includes a host of talented prospects like Vinicius Jr., Martin Odegaard, Alvaro Odriozola and Federico Valverde. It makes sense to give Mayoral a chance as well―he has waited long enough and, with more playing time, could blossom into the striker everyone hopes he can be.

Benzema will undoubtedly start the year as the top option, but if his scoring issues persist, Mayoral may well force his way into the squad with some good showings.