Real Madrid 'identify Vinicius Jr's successor' amid Saudi Arabia links

Real Madrid have reportedly identified a potential replacement for Vinicius Jr amid ongoing interest from Saudi Arabia in the superstar winger.

The Brazilian, who has established himself as a pivotal player under Carlo Ancelotti over the last few seasons, has been locked in talks with the Spanish giants over renewal terms at the Bernabeu.

Despite multiple rounds of negotiations, no deal has yet been struck with the winger, whose current contract is set to expire at the end of the 2027 season.

Real Madrid's urgency to tie Vinicius Jr down to a long-term contract comes in the wake of multiple Saudi Arabian clubs expressing interest in the player ahead of the summer transfer window.

Amid the ongoing interest from Saudi, reports claim that Madrid have already identified the potential successor to their Brazilian superstar.

German outlet Bild claim that Madrid have earmarked Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, 22, as the man who could fill the shoes of Vinicius Jr.

The Spaniard - who shone for his national side during last summer's European Championships - is valued at £58m (€70m) ahead of the summer window.

The outlet claim that Madrid hold an interest in Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz however they're aware that Williams would be available at a much cheaper price.

Meanwhile, amid the interest from Saudi, Madrid have also named their price should any side from the Pro League look to test their resolve during the summer.

The same outlet claim that Madrid would be negotiate a deal for the Brazilian but for no less than £208m (€2500m).

Earlier this month, a report from Spain claimed that Vinicius Jr is willing to accept a contract extension at Madrid if his salary is increased to €20million (£16.5m).

It is understood that the reigning LaLiga champions are keep the player despite his uneven form throughout this campaign due to Kylian Mbappe's arrival in the team.

However, according to Spanish outlet Diario AS, Real Madrid may be forced to raise Vinicius Jr's wage by over 33 per cent, with the Brazilian reportedly wanting a new salary that would make him the club's highest earner outright.

Vinicius Jr has chalked up a rich collection of silverware during his time at the Bernabeu, with two Champions Leagues among the 15 trophies he has won so far as a Real Madrid player.

The 24-year-old urged that he is still focused on winning more with Los Blancos, adding: 'I have won but I can still win much more and make it into the history of the club. That is very complicated because many good players have been here, legends, and I want to be just like them.

'I'm still experiencing incredible things with this shirt, fulfilling my dreams and I hope we can continue like this, we've started to play better since we played against City. We have to play a great game for our fans.'

The newspaper claims Real Madrid asked Vinicius Jr's entourage, who held talks with Saudi Pro League representatives back in September, for the forward's contract demands last month —  and were told that he is willing to accept a new annual salary worth €20m.

Currently, Vinicius Jr earns a reported salary in the region of €15m (£12.5m) per year, which makes him the club's joint-highest earner alongside last summer's marquee signing Mbappe.