Real Madrid watching Empoli youngster Daniele Rugani as Chelsea, Man Utd circle

Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Empoli defender Daniele Rugani.

Just 20, Rugani has been influential in Empoli's impressive start to their season, having played six games and also scoring his first goal at Serie A level.

Sportmediaset says his progress has alerted Real scouts which have tipped off coach Carlo Ancelotti about the youngster.

Ancelotti is happy for Real to shop in Italy for a new defender and is also keen on AC Milan's Mattia de Sciglio.

However, Real are not alone in their interest in Rugani, with Manchester United and Chelsea also scouting the youngster this month.