Madrid eye Brazilian youngster.

Real Madrid are reportedly closing in on the signature of young Fluminense defender Marcelo, who looks set to join next season.

With Roberto Carlos coming to the end of his career, the capital outfit need a replacement at left back and see the 18-year-old as a long-term successor to the Brazilian legend.

The left-back leapt to the attentions of the football world by scoring on his Brazil debut against Wales and he is being touted as the next Carlos by fans in Brazil.

Reports suggest that the talented stopper will pen a deal with Real in the next few days but will not join the club until the 2007-2008 season, although he would be able to move to Madrid during the January transfer window.

The player's agent Reinaldo Pitta expects to wrap up the deal in the next few days and told sports daily As: "Although anything can happen in soccer, I can't imagine the transfer won't be finalised tomorrow.