Real Madrid sign Brazilian youngster Reinier, while Espanyol snap up defender Cabrera

MADRID - Real Madrid on Monday confirmed the signing of 18-year-old Brazilian attacking midfielder Reinier Jesus.

The Spanish club have paid Brazilian side Flamengo 30 million euros (around 35 million US dollars) for the footballer, who is currently playing in the Olympic qualifying tournament with Brazil's Under-23 side.

When the tournament is over, Reinier will join Real Madrid and the intention of the club is for him to play with the club's B-team: Real Madrid Castilla, in the third tier of the Spanish league, until the end of the campaign.

Real Madrid have signed the youngster amid competition from other teams and continue their recent policy of looking to the Brazilian market to capture young talent and Reinier joins Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo at the club.

Monday also saw Espanyol continue their January spending as the Barcelona based outfit, that is the current home to Wu Lei, looks to escape the relegation zone.

Just over a week ago saw Espanyol spend a club record 20 million euros on striker Raul de Tomas and they have now spent a further nine million euros on left-sided defender Leandro Cabrera from Getafe.

Cabrera made 18 league starts from 20 games for Getafe and will add strength and balance to a team that is still bottom of the table despite Sunday's win in Villarreal.