Reports in the Spanish press state that Primera Liga champions Real Madrid have beaten Chelsea in the race for Brazilian sensation Alipio Duarte Brandao.

The 16-year-old has left Portuguese side Rio Ave and will join Los Merengues’ youth team later this week according to Marca.

Nicknamed ‘The New Ronaldo’, Portugal-based Brandao is believed to have rejected several offers from Chelsea in order to commit his future to Bernd Schuster’s Real.

The German coach reportedly plans to allow the promising youngster to work with his first team in the near future.

The striker made a name for himself with Rio Ave’s youth teams and is yet to play a top flight match.

Real’s centre back Pepe, himself a Brazilian who took Portuguese citizenship, commented on Brandao: “Alipio is exceptionally talented. I know him pretty well and finding a player with such talent at his age is very hard.

“I am hopeful he will be able to work alongside us starting from next year".