Young centre-back Javi Sanchez’s seamless introduction into Real Madrid’s first team has caused the club to cool their chase for Espanyol’s Mario Hermoso, according to reports.

Sanchez, 21, has impressed for Los Blancos since his debut on October 31 in the Copa del Rey clash with Melilla. He’s further impressed in three other appearances, scoring for the first time in the return leg against the aforementioned minnows.

Marca have stated that Madrid were determined to seal a return for Hermoso, a fellow Castilla graduate.

But the fine form of Sanchez has convinced them to put the brakes on this chase.