Rafa Benitez wants to see Marco Asensio in person before making a decision about his short-term Real Madrid future.
Asensio was with the Spain Under-19 side at the European Championships as Benitez was taking the first part of summer training, and the time difference between Greece, where the tournament was held, and Australia, where Madrid have been, meant the Coach couldn’t see the games live.
Benitez caught up with Asensio’s performances as La Roja landed the silverware but before deciding if he is to be part of his Madrid squad or allowed to go on loan, Benitez wants to judge Asensio with his own eyes.
Friendly tournament the Audi Cup and a game against Valerenga will be Asensio’s chance to impress the trainer, and if Benitez judges Asensio isn’t ready for Madrid, he will be allowed to go out on loan.
AS names Espanyol, Villarreal, Real Betis and Malaga as interested parties and suggests there are plenty of others waiting in the wings.
Borja Mayoral, also part of the Spain Under-19s, will remain with RM Castilla but could also be Benitez’s third-choice centre-forward, behind Karim Benzema and Jese, if Madrid don’t sign a striker.
