Everton lose out to Real Madrid in the quest to sign former Barcelona striker Sandro Ramirez from Malaga

REAL MADRID have beaten Everton in the hunt to sign Malaga striker Sandro Ramirez according to reports in Spain.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a fruitful season in front of goal in La Liga last season, and is now poised to turn down the Toffees in favour of Los Blancos.

According to Spanish news outlet Onda Cero, the young forward has reached an agreement with the Champions League winners.

Madrid will pay the small buyout clause of just £5.2million to bring in the player that banged in 16 goals in 31 games last campaign.

As SunSport reported earlier on this week, Zinedine Zidane is keen to wrap up a deal as quick as possible with Alvaro Morata closing in on a switch to Manchester United.

He would likely be used as a back-up behind French star Karim Benzema at the Bernabeu Stadium, a role Morata grew tired of.

Ramirez reportedly already passed a medical for Ronald Koeman's side, but in an astonishing U-turn, looks set to stay in Spain.

The news will come as a huge blow for Everton who have been confident a deal was a near inevitability as they look destined to lose Romelu Lukaku this summer.

Ramirez is currently in action with the Spanish Under-21 side in Poland where they are competing in the European Championship.

He has been a key player for Albert Celades' side, as he has helped them advance through to the final, where they will face Germany on Friday evening.

It remains to be seen what kind of reception Ramirez will be receive when he dons the famous white jersey, having previously rose through the youth ranks at rivals Barcelona.

He scored seven times in 32 games for the Catalan club in two seasons, where he was part of the squad that won two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey's and one Champions League.

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