TRANSFER NEWS - Real Madrid sign Ukrainian starlet goalkeeper Lunin in €14 million deal

Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of 19-year-old Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.

Lunin joins from Zorya Luhansk in the Ukrainian Premier League, where he made 29 league appearances in the 2017-18 season, signing a six-year deal with the Spanish side for a reported €14 million (£12.3m/$16.3m) fee.

The teenager is considered one of the top goalkeeping prospects in Europe, and had attracted interest from several Premier League sides, including Liverpool, while Juventus and Inter were also said to be tracking him.

It is a dream come true for the player, who revealed in 2017 that his goal was to play for one of the world's best teams.

"Real is my favourite team," he said. "Of course, I would like to be there some day, to play for that club at that level.”

Lunin began his professional career at Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, making his debut as a 17-year-old and quickly cementing himself as first choice before joining Zorya Luhansk last summer.

The Krasnogard native was a key player for Zorya as they finished fourth in the league and played in the Europa League group stage, where Lunin impressed against Athletic Club.

He became the youngest goalkeeper to feature for Ukraine in his senior international debut in a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia in March and earned his second cap in a 4-1 win over Albania in a friendly earlier this month.

"We thank Andriy Lunin for his efforts for Zorya," the Ukrainian club said in a statement.

"We wish with dignity to accept the challenge of fate and eventually he can become the main goalkeeper of one of the best clubs in the world.

"Thank you, Andriy! Good luck in the new club!"

Madrid have previously been linked with Roma's Brazil goalkeeper Alisson, as well as Manchester United's David de Gea.