Alipio set for Real switch

Brazilian starlet ready for Spanish challenge

By Patricio Figueroa   Last updated: 11th November 2008

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Alipio Duarte Brandao's agent claims his client his close to securing a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The teenage sensation is set to be loaned to the Primera Liga outfit in order to gain experience with their reserve side.

A permanent deal will then be reached at a later date, with Real set to pay 550,000 euros (£447,000) for the 16-year-old's services.

"We have been in Madrid talking about the contract and now Alipio will start training with Castilla this week. He is very happy," said agent Helder Daniel.

Alipio is regarded as one of the hottest prospects to come out of Brazil in recent years and is keen to follow in the footsteps of many of his South American counterparts.

He is currently on the books of Portuguese outfit Rio Ave, but is keen to test himself at the highest possible level.

Idol

His lofty ambitions include becoming a world renowned goalscorer like his countryman Ronaldo, while he also claims to possess many of the technical attributes regularly displayed by Manchester United's Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

"My main characteristics are being quick and a good scorer," he said.

"My dream is to be like Cristiano Ronaldo, but I know I have a long way to go.

"Another dream is to play for the Brazilian national team and become a top scorer like Ronaldo.

"I know that Ronaldo has also played for Real Madrid and I would like to be like him. He is my idol."