Real Madrid leading race for Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek?

Real Madrid have reportedly emerged as the favourites to sign Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed an excellent campaign with the Dutch giants, and the Netherlands international has played a starring role in the club's run to the Champions League semi-finals.

Real have been linked with a move for the playmaker, but it has previously been claimed that Van de Beek is only regarded as an alternative to Manchester United's Paul Pogba.

However, according to Marca, Real are giving serious thought to pressing on with their efforts to sign Van de Beek ahead of some of their European rivals.

The report indicates that Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also keen, but Real could be prepared to meet the player's £60m valuation.

Van de Beek's wage demands are also considerably less than Pogba's, something which appeals to Real at this stage of their plans to make changes to Zinedine Zidane's squad.