He is set to swap the Football League for the Santiago Bernabeu

The 18-year-old forward only turned pro with the Royals in July and made his senior debut against Peterborough United in August.

2Caylan Vickers is set to complete a £1million move to Real MadridCredit: Getty

Since then, he has become an important member of Ruben Selles’ first team, making 17 appearances and scoring three goals.

Vickers has been a rare bright spark for the struggling Royals, who currently sit at the bottom of League One.

Arsenal have been keeping track of Vickers after he scored and impressed in a 5-2 win over the Gunners’ Under-21 team in the Football League Trophy in November.

Leicester City, Norwich, and Celtic have also sent scouts to the Madejski Stadium this season.

However, in a shock move, Real Madrid have moved ahead of Arsenal after opening talks with Reading this week about a January swoop for their talented teenager.

Cash-strapped Reading wants £1 million plus a percentage of any future sell-one deal.

Madrid are keen to nurse Vickers along in their ‘B team,’ Real Madrid Castilla, until he is ready to step up to join Bellingham in their first team squad.

2The 18-year-old has made nine appearances for Reading this season. Credit: Getty

Castilla are currently managed by club legend Raul, who scored 323 goals in 741 appearances for Los Blancos.

His side is currently 11th in the Spanish third tier after 15 matches this season.