Football Magazine News

Madrid are on the lookout for young talent worldwide, and although most of their current attention is focused on South America, the club are still keeping track of players in Europe and identified Grenier as a potential star of the future.

Grenier, 17, is the latest player to come off the Lyon assembly line, following players such as Karim Benzema and Hatem Ben Arfa, and is already an established international for the French U-17 side.

Arsenal were the first club to be linked with the attacking midfielder - somewhat sensationally dubbed 'the new Kaka' by 'The Sun' - but many other clubs are also though to be keeping tabs on his progress, including Chelsea and Inter Milan.

He is yet to sign a professional contract with the French giants, but it is thought that they are very keen to keep hold of Grenier until he has developed further, as they believe that he could command a massive transfer fee if he continues to improve over the next few years.

Lyon have traditionally faired well in beating off approaches for their players until they feel the time is right to sell, with president Jean-Michel Aulas notoriously tough in negotiations, and all signs point to them keeping Grenier on their books until they are able to sell him for a heavy profit.

Nick Dorrington