Zinedine Zidane tells Real Madrid: You cannot let this star go to Barcelona

Zinedine Zidane has reportedly instructed Real Madrid to beat Barcelona to the signing of Maxime Lopez.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is eager to satisfy Zidane’s demands this summer and is ready to help the Frenchman land his top targets.

While Chelsea duo Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois remain at the top of his wishlist, the 44-year-old is also keeping close tabs on Marseille midfielder Lopez.

The 19-year-old has been in fine form for the Ligue 1 outfit this term and his displays have not gone unnoticed across Europe.

Barcelona are thought to be keeping a close eye on Lopez with technical director Robert Fernandez and his staff already having scouted him.

But Spanish publication Diario Gol claim Zidane wants to scupper Barcelona’s plans.

He is said to have told Perez not to let Lopez join their Spanish rivals.

Perez has now reportedly listened to Zidane’s request and instructed his staff to keep track of him.

Despite Barca being keen to bring him to the Nou Camp, the France Under-20 international could favour a move to the Spanish capital with the opportunity to work under fellow countryman Zidane appealing.

Marseille won’t let Perez go on the cheap though with the midfielder signing a new long-term deal only last month that tied him down until 2021.