Both Manchester United and Chelsea have been repeatedly linked with Real Madrid star Marco Asensio, who is growing increasingly frustrated with a lack of playing time at the Bernabeu.
And despite rumours of Real Madrid’s interest in Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard reportedly angering Asensio, Balague claims the 22-year-old will not leave the Spanish club.
“Asensio, forget it,” he said on his YouTube vlog. “He’s been linked with English clubs.
“He’s there at Real Madrid to stay. He will be a key figure of the future and the present of Real Madrid.”
And after an impressive showing during Real Madrid’s Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, it’s easy to understand why Asensio’s future is likely to be in La Liga.
After a run of poor form in recent weeks, Zinedine Zidane put his faith in his fringe players, Asensio included, during their second leg clash against PSG and they repaid him in stunning style.
Asensio schooled defender Dani Alves with a cheeky nutmeg which put Lucas Vazquez free to deliver a pin-point cross to hit-man Cristino Ronaldo who duly fired home and helped them to a 5-2 aggregate win.
While Asensio may be set to stay, all is not well at the Bernabeu.
Boss Zinedine Zidane today had to play down any talk of a stand-off between him and Gareth Bale, saying the £89million understands the intense competition for places at the 12-time European champions.
“He doesn’t need to do anything else. He’s at a team where there are many players and many games,” added the French coach.
“He came onto the pitch (in Paris). I have nothing against him. He’s fundamental for us and I’m going to count on him until the end of the season. I have to pick a team every three days and that’s what I do.”
Real are third in the Liga standings, trailing Liga leaders Barcelona by a remarkable 15 points in the standings and seven behind city rivals Atletico.