Real Madrid reportedly missed their transfer race to sign Dinamo Zagreb Martin Baturina.
Baturina has emerged as a key player in Zagreb alongside a development role for the Croatian national team.
His calmness in midfield has drawn many comparisons with the Los Blancos icon Luka Modric with the 21-year-old being his long-term successor.
However, according to reports from Sky Germany via AS Diaryhe will not be fulfilling Modric's role in Madrid, having opted against a move to the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid have reportedly offered Baturina a five-year deal, but with the option to send him on a two-year loan elsewhere. The League side, which apparently scuppered an agreement.
The situation could be revisited in 2025, but Baturina is expected to demand a bigger first-team role, with concerns over the examples of young players who have seen little game time reduced after joining Real Madrid.
