Russell Martin, Real Madrid and Ronaldo- a classic Daily Record transfer tale

The demands being placed on reporters at the Daily Record are getting even more ridiculous.

How else can you describe horse-shoeing in a reference to Real Madrid and a Brazilian legend for a loan deal involving someone that played his only game for Arsenal three years ago?

Karl Hein was mentioned in a Spanish report, covering along term Arsenal reserve coming in to be back up to Jack Butland  isn’t the most exciting of stories but the creativity of the Record can never be under-estimated.

Last season Hein was on loan at Real Valladolid who were relegated from La Liga, along the way they lost 3-0 to Real Madrid which was enough for the Record to start putting together a classic jigsaw.

?? ‘He’s ???? good…’

Florentino Perez had nine words for Ronaldo about Rangers transfer target before Real Madrid legend took the hint ?https://t.co/G6qKmN8Ejx pic.twitter.com/rNsDZMFTWJ

— Daily Record Sport (@Record_Sport) August 7, 2025

Florentino Perez had nine glowing words for Brazilian legend Ronaldo about reported Rangers target Karl Hein.

But he was quickly reminded by the Real Valladolid owner that if he wants to sign him, it will need to go through Arsenal.

Russell Martin appears to be eyeing a new shotstopper to compete with Jack Butland and Liam Kelly and Estonian keeper Hein, who impressed on loan at Valladolid last season, is the latest name to enter the frame.

Hein came through the youth ranks at Arsenal and has played once for the first team. But that was three years ago and now, as the 23-year-old enters the final year on his contract, it does appear his future lies elsewhere.

He already has 39 caps for his country but last season was something of a breakthrough year for Hein at club level.

It was his first season trying his hand regularly in one of the big five leagues and while it was a tough season for relegated Valladolid, Hein certainly caught the eye – at least of Real Madrid supremo Perez.

According to Defensa Central, Hein’s performance in a 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in August prompted Perez to get in the ear of Ronaldo, who bought a controlling stake of the Spanish club in 2018.

It’s reported he said: “He’s got a good build, a very good goalkeeper,” before Ronaldo took the hint and reminded him he was only on loan from Arsenal – so any negotiations would have to take place with the Premier League club.

Valladolid finished last season in bottom place in La Liga with four wins and four draws from 38 games, finishing 16 points adrift of Las Palmas, conceding 90 goals in 38 matches. Heim was in goals for 31 of those games.

The Record has still to inform their Army of Readers that Conor Coady has completed a dream move to Wrexham.