17-year-old Claudio Echeverri plays  for River Plate’s ‘B’ team. He’s currently starring at the South American U-17 Championship in Ecuador.

Nicknamed ‘El Diablito’ (‘The Little Devil’), Echeverri has racked up four goals and three assists in Argentina’s four games at the tournament.

The attacking midfielder has stood out from the moment he joined River at the age of 10. He’s part of the first team’s squad for the Copa Libertadores.

He has caught the attention of Real Madrid, who are eyeing a deal similar to their signing of Endrick. They’d loan him back to River until he’s 18.

Echeverri has a €20m release clause, but - spurred on by Madrid’s interest -  River aim to give the youngster a new contract with a higher buy-out fee.

During the March international  window, he made the headlines when Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni called him up to train with the senior squad.

Given Echeverri's diminutive stature and his ability to dribble past players, the teenager has drawn comparisons with Argentina captain Lionel Messi.

Echeverri has shown real strength of character. Despite always playing against older opponents, he has never appeared intimidated by the task.

His arrival at Real Madrid would be  in line with the LaLiga giants’  current transfer policy of signing up future stars at a young age.

Madrid are out to seal a deal for Echeverri as soon as possible, before other major clubs have the chance to muscle in on their pursuit of him.