Vinicius Junior a 'source of tension' behind the scenes at Real Madrid | OneFootball

Vinicius Junior has been described as a "source of tension" in the Real Madrid dressing room as discussions over the next stage of his career begin to take place.

The Brazilian agreed to join Madrid when he was just 16 years of age, having to wait until his 18th birthday to actually make the move from South America. But he has since become one of the best players in the world and is arguably the star attraction in a glittering squad at the Bernabeu.

But Vinicius will shortly enter the final two years of his contract and appears to be reaching a career crossroad as he nears what are expected to be his peak years. A straightforward renewal with Madrid isn't necessarily the obvious choice for the 24-year-old.

Sky in Switzerland report that, having rejected an opening offer of a new contract, Madrid consider the situation as "stay, but not at all costs". It suggests that they have a ceiling they are prepared to go to, without going through, in order to keep Vinicius.

It's not necessarily roses behind the scenes / Diego Souto/GettyImages

Vinicius is well aware of his importance to Madrid, but the club isn't his only option. A move to the Saudi Pro League has been heavily rumoured for some time. He is described as having continuous contact amid stories of a world record transfer fee and €1bn contract. There are also claims of "informal discussions" with Paris Saint-Germain, perhaps the only financially viable alternative within Europe.

For Madrid's part, the report alleges dirty tactics, leaking details of apparently creating tension behind the scenes, as well as a "lack of application", and "deficient defensive play". Provoking opponents and the refereeing body is supposedly another point of internal contention.

Signs of frustration seemed to emerge when Vinicius was the subject of frustrations from teammates during last week's Copa del Rey struggle against Leganes.