Real Madrid are likely to loan Martin Odegaard out next season after manager Rafael Benitez decided he is too inexperienced to stay with the club's first team next season, according to Madrid-based daily Marca.
A decision on Odegaard's future had been thought to only be likely after 9th August, when Real Madrid play Norwegian side Valerenga in a friendly. But while Odegaard may still be at the club when that game arrives (he is the star attraction in his native Norway) he will not be included in Real Madrid's first team squad for next term.
Benitez rates the 16-year-old midfielder and believes he is a genuine talent. However, the former Liverpool manager feels he needs to gain experience and playing time in order to merit a spot in Los Blancos' first team squad.
The Spanish giants would be happy for Odegaard to play for a further season with their second string side Real Madrid Castilla under the watchful eye of Zinedine Zidane. However, the Norwegian is keen to operate at a higher level.
Scottish giants Celtic have been mooted as a potential loan destination, however Real Madrid would prefer Odegaard to remain in Spain.
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But Odegaard will have the most important say on his future and clubs from Germany and France are also keeping a close watch on his situation at the Bernabeu.
The news of Odegaard's likely availability this summer is now set to send his suitors scrambling for his signature and it remains to be seen where the Norway international ends up.
Real Madrid won the race for Odegaard's signature earlier this year, beating off competition from a whole host of clubs including Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Celtic, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, Manchester United and Ajax.
