Gerard Pique believes Steven Fletcher has all the attributes needed to be a hit in La Liga one day - but urged the Hibernian striker to continue his development in the Scottish Premier League for the time being.

Fletcher, 21, is reportedly on the radar of Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants believed to be monitoring the progress of some of the continent's most promising young footballers.

"I know that Real Madrid want him but he is 21 and people don't have to put pressure on him because he is very young," said Pique. "If he finally goes to Madrid he will learn a lot but for now he is at Hibs and he has to learn more here."

He added: "I met him at the Under-19s final when Scotland played Spain and he is a very good player.

"I think he can make the step up to La Liga but for the moment I think he has to stay and play in Scotland longer and learn more about his game then definitely he can go to La Liga and succeed.

"I remember him from the tournament and he has the attributes but he has to build up his body and his movement.

"A player never stops learning and he is a good example and if Steven keeps working and learning then he can definitely move to La Liga or the Premier League."