Report: Real Madrid target Ruben Pardo

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Real Sociedad midfielder Ruben Pardo.

The 21-year-old, who is regarded as one of the brightest talents in Spanish football, signed a new long-term deal with Sociedad last month.

However, with Pardo's buy-out clause at £25m, Sociedad would be powerless to stop Madrid negotiating a move if that figure were met.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti sees Pardo as an alternative option to Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos.

Pardo's current Sociedad deal runs until 2018.