Report: Rafael Benitez to assess Marco Asensio

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez will reportedly assess Spanish youngster Marco Asensio before making a decision over the attacker's future.

Los Blancos secured Asensio's signature towards the end of last year, but the Spanish youth international remained on loan at Mallorca for the rest of the campaign.

It had been claimed that the teenager would again be sent out on loan for the new season, but according to reports in Spain, Benitez will first run the rule over Asensio in training.

A host of clubs, including Espanyol, Villarreal, Real Betis and Malaga, are said to be interested in signing the youngster on loan.

Asensio starred as Spain won the Under-19 European Championships this summer.