Real Madrid defender Jesus Vallejo says he is not sure yet whether he will join Zinedine Zidane's squad as a direct replacement for departing centre-back Pepe next season.
Portugal international Pepe, 34, has confirmed he is leaving the Bernabeu after a decade that brought three La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues and two Copas del Rey among his trophy haul.
That could provide space for Vallejo in the Madrid squad after he impressed on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt during the 2016-17 season but, speaking from Spain's training camp before the European Under-21 Championship, the 20-year-old told AS: "The truth is I do not know anything about my future yet.
"I prefer to focus on the day to day, and keep improving. They told me that when they took the decision, they would talk with me. It is not up to me to keep insisting. Now I am focused just on the national team, because to play a Euros is a unique opportunity."
Vallejo joined Madrid from Real Zaragoza in a €5 million deal in 2015 but has not yet made an appearance for the Bernabeu outfit.
"If I signed for Madrid, it is to play there someday, but I am not in a rush or anxious," he said. "The important thing is to play well and wait for the chance. If I can return this summer then great. It is not something which depends on me."
Vallejo said there had not been much contact with Zidane or the senior setup while he was recovering from injury in recent months at Madrid's Valdebebas training ground.
"I could not talk with [Zidane] personally," he said. "I was doing the recovery work with the medical staff. I did not have much contact with the first-team squad."
During his time in Germany, Frankfurt coach Niko Kovac called Vallejo "scandalously good" and was reportedly keen to extend his loan from Madrid by another year.
"It helps you to grow in every way, I am very thankful," Vallejo said. "The year of experience makes a big difference -- living abroad, getting to know a competition like the Bundesliga, which is played at a thousand miles an hour, and physically I have improved too."