While sources are indicating there has yet to be a final decision on whether Endrick leaves on loan when the January transfer window opens, it is understood Real are reluctantly giving consideration to sanctioning a move.

Endrick is settled in the Spanish capital and enjoying life in mainland Europe.

There is a belief that remaining in Madrid, despite his current lack of first-team minutes, would benefit the youngster in the long term as he continues his transition to senior football in a foreign country as a teenager.

But there are other factors to consider.

The first, and most obvious, is linked to his development. His lack of first-team action under Alonso was not envisaged as part of the player’s perceived pathway at Real.

There would be an obvious benefit for Endrick to leave and play senior football on more of a regular basis simply in terms of his growth as a teenage footballer.

The fact the World Cup is on the horizon provides Endrick with another reason to seriously think about leaving in January.

His lack of action under Alonso, should it continue, may scupper hopes of working his way back into Ancelotti’s Brazil plans in time for the summer.

Then there is the emergence of Estevao Willian at Chelsea. Not long ago, Endrick was the undisputed wonderkid of Brazilian football.

The coming of age of Estevao at Chelsea this season has seen the 18-year-old – who played with Endrick at Palmeiras – become the new apple of the Brazilian public’s eye.

So what should Endrick do? It’s a tough call for a young man to make.

Balague said: “In the previous winter, a year ago, there was the possibility of going on loan but it was decided it was not going to be the case.

“In the summer, the club were sounding him out about a loan but he didn’t want to go out, because he thought staying at Real Madrid was a quicker way of getting into the national side, even if he didn’t play regularly. But now he hasn’t been called up for Brazil.”