Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly set to miss out Martin Odegaard as Southampton close in on the Norwegian prodigy.
The 16-year-old had been linked with moves to the pick of Europe’s best clubs, including Los Blancos and La Blaugrana, along with Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Manchester United.
However, the Daily Star believes it is the Saints who have stolen a march on their rivals thanks to both their commitment to fast-tracking young players into their first team and the pedigree of manager Ronald Koeman.
Odegaard, who became Norway’s youngest-ever senior international in August, has been a regular performer in his country’s top flight this season, scoring five goals in 23 appearances for Stromsgodset.
