Portuguese defender Diogo Leite has admitted to being flattered by recent interest from Real Madrid, while saying he feels ready to finally make an impact for his country at international level.

Leite has been speaking to Spanish publication AS, which is based in Madrid, following the winter interest from Los Merengues. The former Porto man’s rise in the Bundesliga has also raised questions over when Leite will finally earn his first senior cap for his country, as Roberto Martinez comes closer to choosing his squad for the European Championships.

The new Brazilian season is still in its early stages of regional championships, but Palmeiras and their Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira are at the centre of a heated story in South America.

Local rivals Palmeiras and São Paulo met in the Campeonato Paulista on Sunday, playing out a 1-1 draw at São Paulo’s Morumbi Stadium. The result saw both sides remain top of their respective groups, but tensions flared within the grounds of the stadium after the match as São Paulo raged at refereeing decisions.

Portugal international Pedro Neto has been speaking about the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo on his career, as well as his hopes of playing for his country at the European Championships this summer.

Neto has been in fine form for Wolverhampton Wanderers this season in the Premier League, with his dynamic eye-catching performances resulting in links to England’s major clubs resurfacing ahead of the summer transfer window.

Bruno Fernandes has come under fire this week in England for his perceived gamesmanship, with Premier League side Fulham joining in the online ridiculing of the Portuguese midfielder after the teams met last weekend.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has leapt to his captain’s defence, insisting that Fulham should apologise and that the story led to Fernandes being targeted by Nottingham Forest during Wednesday night’s FA Cup match.