Real Madrid has its eye on Carlos Villanueva

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SANTIAGO.- It is clear that Carlos Villanueva's days in La Florida are numbered. What still remains to be seen is which club will take Audax Italiano's team jewel, a player worth an estimated 5 million euros.

He has been asked about by River, Inter de Milan, Brazil and now by perhaps the biggest team in the world: Real Madrid.

According to reports printed in the Spanish sports newspaper "Marca", Julen Lopetegui, a scout for Real Madrid in South America, has found in Chile "a player who could have a place with Real Madrid on the winter market. We're referring to Carlos Villanueva, midfielder for Audax Italiano, the leading team in the Chilean championship".

"Lopetegui asked about the current situation of the 21 year old, international Chilean player for Bielsa. Villanueva has been international in all categories and with 17 goals, is the number one shooter in the Chilean tournament", read "Marca".

The newspaper goes on to say, however, that Real Madrid is not the only one interested in Villanueva. The Madrid Athletic and Sevilla clubs are also following him closely.