Real Madrid's interest in in-demand Brazilian confirmed

Sao Paulo executive director of football Rai has confirmed that a number of teams, including Spanish giants Real Madrid, are chasing Brazilian midfielder Igor Gomes. 

The 21-year-old made 11 starts for the Brazilian outfit in the 2019 Brasileirao and his performances have seen a number of top European sides show an interest in Gomes. 

Along with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla and Ajax have all been linked with a move for Gomes, whose agent, Wagner Ribiero, last month said he was keen to take Gomes to Los Blancos. 

And Rai has confirmed that there is ample interest in Gomes, telling Globo Esporte via Goal.com: "It's true. What we can say is that [Igor Gomes] is a player that is attracting the interest of European clubs. But there has been no official contact. It is a reality that he is igniting interest. 

"I have already spoken to European friends who have made comments, but that's it." 

However, while Real Madrid have been monitoring Gomes, Rai is adament that there has been no official approach for the midfielder, adding: "There was no official approach from Real Madrid or any other club. What we do know is that Real Madrid knows and follows Igor, just as they certainly follow many other young talents around the world, including in our own squad. 

"Also due to the possibility that Igor could get a Portuguese passport in the next six months, which would mean he would not take up a foreign player spot in a European club. But there is nothing going on." 

Real Madrid have recently been in the hunt for the best young Brazilian talent, having secured the services of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Reinier Jesus in recent months.