Saudi Pro League still keen on signing Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund are continuing to show interest in signing Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid, reports claim.

The 24-year-old, who finished runner-up to Rodri in last year's Ballon d'Or vote and was later crowned Best FIFA Men's Player, was reported to be a transfer target for the cash-rich Saudi Pro League last summer.

Khaled Al Issa, a director at Al Ahli, later confirmed that his club had been interested in signing Vinicius after allowing Allan Saint-Maximin to join Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce - but that "something unexpected happened" that forced the Saudi giants to pursue a deal for Brentford striker Ivan Toney instead.

ESPN report that contact was re-established with Vinicius' representatives by PIF in December, largely to show the Brazilian that he remains one of their top priorities.

"There isn't anything at all," Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said at the time in regards to Vinicius potentially leaving. "Of course speculation doesn't affect [Vinicius]. He's here, he wants to be here. He wants to do his best and help Real Madrid.

"We have our project and we continue in that. We have a squad of great quality. We've lost important players and we've brought in others who have to adapt. We have to work to maintain the atmosphere, and the commitment, which was the key last year."

Vinicius played a starring role in Madrid winning a record-extending 15th Champions League crown last May, while his 15 La Liga goals helped the club secure a 36th title ahead of Clasico rivals Barcelona.

He spoke of his desire to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu in the coming years during his FIFA Men's Best Player award speech, and is regarded by the Spanish giants to be a cornerstone of the club's future alongside Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

Vinicius was named La Liga Player of the Month in November and then picked up the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Golden Ball and Player of the Tournament awards in December after helping Real Madrid beat Pachuca in the final of FIFA's version of the Club World Cup.

As for the Saudi Pro League, they continue to boast marquee names such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, and are keen to land Mohamed Salah on a free transfer this summer with his contract at Premier League leaders Liverpool up.

READ THE LATEST REAL MADRID NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP