After a stunning strike: Real Madrid move to sign Barcelona target

Gomez scored a superb goal

Real Madrid have begun taking steps to sign one of La Liga's most prominent rising talents, after he caught the eye with a stunning goal on his competition debut.

According to Catalan newspaper "Sport", Sergio Martinez, the 19-year-old Racing Santander midfielder, has returned to Real Madrid's radar. Both the Spanish giants and Barcelona tracked the player's development last season.

Martinez made a striking start with Racing's first team. Handed a start against Villarreal, he scored a superb goal with a volley from outside the box to give his side a two-goal lead before the match ended 2-2.

That impressive display brought his name back to the forefront of the transfer market. Real Madrid are monitoring his situation closely, and could sign him initially to bolster the Castilla side rather than promoting him directly to the first team.

Standing 1.85 metres tall, Martinez possesses distinctive physical and technical attributes. He builds play well, offers a physical presence and can arrive in the box from the second line. He is also an international with Spain's under-19 side.

He is tied to a contract with Racing Santander until 2029, yet the release clause stands at just 3 million euros. That could make the deal tempting for Real Madrid should they decide to move officially.

Both Real Madrid and Barcelona chased him last season. Barcelona studied the possibility of a loan with an option to buy, before Martinez kept developing and earned his chance with the first team.