Real Madrid scout Piero Foglia has revealed that Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez should have been a striker for Spanish side Real Madrid, had things gone according to plan.

As an 11-year-old, Alvarez was trialled at Real Madrid but red-tape prevented the Argentina international from signing for the Los Merengues.

Real Madrid scout Piero Foglia recalled to Infobae: “He was not signed to AFA (Argentine Football Association) and I dared to recommend him to a Real Madrid sports director because of a contact I had.

“Julián was up to the task. He played in a tournament and became champion.. We had to wait until the 16 years old. If the same regulations had been in place as when Messi arrived at Barcelona, Julián Álvarez would have been a Real Madrid footballer.”