Marco Asensio targets Luka Modric's number 10 shirt

Marco Asensio has admitted that he wants to succeed Luka Modric by taking the number 10 shirt once the Croatian playmaker leaves Real Madrid.

The Spain international scored the only goal of the game as Los Blancos beat Espanyol 1-0 on Saturday night - a result that takes them to the top of the La Liga standings.

Asensio has started all five of Madrid's league matches this term but, despite his matchwinning display against the Periquitos, the 22-year-old is not focused on talk that he could be a future Ballon d'Or contender.

Instead, the ex-Espanyol loanee has a different target in mind, with Modric's shirt number in his sights.

"They haven't told me anything to change the number and that's why I haven't been able to decide either," he told reporters. "Ten is a number that I like, but it's in the hands of Modric. In the future, I would like it.

"The Ballon d'Or? In the end, I dedicate myself and if it arrives, it will arrive. We will see in the future."

Asensio was used in 32 of Real Madrid's league games during the 2017-18 campaign and in 33 matches the season prior.