Zinedine Zidane says "anything can happen" with Luka Jovic ahead of the transfer deadline after he struggled in Real Madrid's win over Real Valladolid.

Jovic has been consistently linked with a loan departure in the current window, having netted just twice for Madrid in all competitions since signing last year.

Manchester United have been mentioned as potential suitors this week, yet the Serbia striker was in Zidane's XI for a second consecutive match.

Jovic had three shots in total but could not find the net, missing the target with his first two before the break when he looked set to score from the start for the first time in his Madrid career.

With the deadline now just days away, Zidane appeared open to either keeping or loaning the forward.

"I can't confirm anything until October 5," the coach said of Jovic. "He is a player in the squad. I decide and that's it.

"I'm not going to say anything about what's going to happen. Anything can happen. He's here and he played today."

Zidane introduced Vinicius Junior in place of Jovic and the Brazil winger netted the winner in a 1-0 success.

But Madrid and their coach were also grateful to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for a string of good stops.

"He saved us last week and today too," Zidane said. "That's what Thibaut is for."

Courtois added to Movistar+: "We knew it was a difficult game against a team that drew with us last year.

"We had chances in the first half and they did not create danger. In the second, I had to make good saves but then we finished the game.

"What counts are the three points. We have to keep improving."