Nottingham Forest are reported to have joined a duo of Premier League clubs lining up a move for one of Real Madrid's breakthrough stars ahead of the January transfer window.

The Reds are said to be competing alongside Aston Villa and Newcastle United for the signing of Raul Asencio, who has been thrust into the limelight this season after injuries to key defenders Dani Carvajal and David Alaba. Asencio made his Los Blancos debut in a 4-0 victory over Osasuna, assisting Jude Bellingham in his first senior game in white. The 21-year-old has impressed since his debut, making seven appearances in total for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

His good displays have seen interest in Asencio rise ahead of the winter window, with it unclear whether he will maintain his starting spot once other defenders have returned to fitness. According to Fichajes, Forest, Villa and Newcastle are all holding an interest in the centre-back, who is valued at around €10m by Real.

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However, Real are said to have laid down conditions ahead of any possible deals for Asencio - including a buy-back clause and a hefty 40% of any future sale, which adds more weight to the small transfer valuation.

Nuno Espírito Santo's side currently have one of the most impressive centre-back duos in the Premier League in Murillo and Nikola Milenković so Asencio would be hard pressed to displace either of them, but he could provide solid competition. However, with growing interest from elsewhere in Murillo, a deal for Asencio could be a clever pre-emptive move should a tempting offer come in for the Brazilian.

On the flip side, a lack of match opportunity may draw the 2003-born defender elsewhere with Villa and Newcastle's back lines less set in stone and in need of reinforcements.

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