Marco Asensio signs for Espanyol on loan from Real Madrid

Real Madrid have confirmed that young starlet Marco Asensio has joined fellow La Liga side Espanyol on a season-long loan deal.

Los Blancos have been busy in the transfer market this summer, as Rafa Benitez looks to find the right formula and blend of players to deliver success this season following the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti earlier this summer.

Signing Mateo Kovacic this week from Inter Milan was a major statement of intent from Benitez, but the club are also keeping one eye on youth and have given Asensio a chance to prove himself at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat.

The young winger is highly-rated at the Santiago Bernabeu and featured in this summer’s Audi Cup at the home of German giants Bayern Munich.

The 19-year-old, born in Palma, started his youth career with Mallorca and then broke into their B team in 2013, before instantly making the first team there.

His shrewd performances prompted interest from Real Madrid and Ancelotti snapped him up in 2014. However, Asensio, who signed a six-year deal with Madrid, remained with Mallorca on loan until the end of the 2014/15 season.

Asensio has two caps for the Spain U21 team, after previously appearing regularly for the U16 and the U19 international sides.

Benitez will be hoping the young star can go out and prove himself at Espanyol, with the midfielder keen for regular game time.