Florentino Perez had nine words for Ronaldo about Rangers transfer target before Real Madrid legend took the hint
Florentino Perez had nine glowing words for Brazilian legend Ronaldo about reported Rangers target Karl Hein.
But he was quickly reminded by the Real Valladolid owner that if he wants to sign him, it will need to go through Arsenal.
Russell Martin appears to be eyeing a new shotstopper to compete with Jack Butland and Liam Kelly and Estonian keeper Hein, who impressed on loan at Valladolid last season, is the latest name to enter the frame.
Hein came through the youth ranks at Arsenal and has played once for the first team. But that was three years ago and now, as the 23-year-old enters the final year on his contract, it does appear his future lies elsewhere.
He already has 39 caps for his country but last season was something of a breakthrough year for Hein at club level.
It was his first season trying his hand regularly in one of the big five leagues and while it was a tough season for relegated Valladolid, Hein certainly caught the eye – at least of Real Madrid supremo Perez.
According to Defensa Central, Hein's performance in a 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in August prompted Perez to get in the ear of Ronaldo, who bought a controlling stake of the Spanish club in 2018.
It's reported he said: "He's got a good build, a very good goalkeeper," before Ronaldo took the hint and reminded him he was only on loan from Arsenal – so any negotiations would have to take place with the Premier League club.
Hein's performances have been enough to attract interest from Sevilla who are keen to give him another season in the Spanish top flight but it remains to be seen where his future lies.
Butland has been Martin's undisputed No.1 so far but the arrival of a new shot stopper could shake things up between the sticks.
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