Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close eye on Vinicius Junior's situation at Real Madrid, with the Red Devils ready to make a move if it becomes clear that the Brazilian is open to a stunning departure.

The 24-year-old was overlooked for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award, with Manchester City and Spain star Rodri instead claiming the trophy, but Vinicius is still regarded by many as currently the best player in world football.

The Brazil international has scored eight goals and registered seven assists in 15 appearances this season at club level, while he has 91 goals and 82 assists in 279 matches for Los Blancos since arriving from Flamengo in 2018.

Vinicius' contract at Bernabeu is due to run until June 2027, but there is currently uncertainty surrounding his future, with the player believed to be currently resisting Real Madrid's desire to open discussions over a new deal.

According to Relevo, Vinicius is aware that he could earn as much as €1bn (£840m) over the next five seasons if he decided to make the move to Saudi Arabia, with officials from the Saudi Pro League determined to sign him.

Man United 'keeping tabs' on Vinicius situation

The report claims that there are also clubs in Europe that would be willing to pay 'what is necessary' to sign him, with Paris Saint-Germain among those, as they look for a suitable replacement for Kylian Mbappe.

However, it is also alleged that Man United and Chelsea are in the running, with both ready to make a move if it becomes clear that he wants to seek pastures new at this stage of his career.

Real Madrid will allegedly not allow Vinicius to enter the final year of his contract, so a resolution will need to be reached one way or another over the next couple of years.

Vinicius recently said that he wants to spend his whole career at Bernabeu, but the rumours surrounding his future have continued.

"I'm 24 and I want to stay with Madrid forever. I want to give everything back to a club which has given me so much," he said after scoring a hat trick against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last week.

Could Man United realistically sign Vinicius?

There is a €1bn (£840m) release clause in his Real Madrid contract, so it is incredibly difficult to imagine Vinicius leaving Los Blancos over the next couple of years.

However, if the forward makes it clear that he will not be signing another deal, then a departure in the summer of 2026 is possible, as Real Madrid will allegedly not allow him to enter the final year of his contract and risk losing him on a free transfer.

Man United may therefore have to play the long game if they wish to sign the Brazilian, with a switch to Old Trafford at some stage in the future certainly not impossible, but at this moment in time, it is highly unlikely.