Spanish giants Real Madrid have joined the race for Bayer Leverkusen ace Julian Brandt and will rival Liverpool for the youngster's signature, The Daily Mail reports.

What's the word?

20-year-old Julian Brandt is one of the finest prospects currently within German football and, with Jurgen Klopp's connections within the Bundesliga, it's unsurprising to see Liverpool linked with his services. However, they now face competition from Real Madrid.

Zinedine Zidane's side are looking for a restructure in the coming years as a number of their most crucial players, like Luka Modric, are approaching their twilight years, whilst there is continuous speculation regarding the future of young duo James Rodriguez and Isco.

Both James and Isco have found first-team opportunities difficult to regularly come by at the Santiago Bernabeu and Brandt, due to his young age, may be a bit more patient when waiting for chances- and that could work in Real Madrid's favour.

What about Liverpool?

Julian Brandt could perhaps expect more openings at Liverpool for first-team football but the young German has become accustomed to playing Champions League football, so any potential lack of involvement in Europe's elite competition could be detrimental to Liverpool's plans.

That said, Real Madrid's first-team offerings may not be enough to Brandt, as the young midfielder has made four senior appearances for Germany's national squad and will be keen to keep his spot in the side ahead of the World Cup next summer.

With both Bayer and Liverpool both facing a battle to seal a top-four finish in their relevant leagues, and Real Madrid perhaps not having enough football to offer Brandt, the youngster has a huge decision to make this summer.

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