Xabi Alonso eager to sign defender Man Utd ‘sold for peanuts’ for Real Madrid

Real Madrid have identified former Manchester United defender Alvaro Fernandez as a priority transfer target for Xabi Alonso this summer.

Alonso will step down as Bayer Leverkusen boss at the end of the season and head to the Spanish capital to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who is set to take over as Brazil national team boss.

The Spaniard has predominantly used a three at the back system in Germany, a formation he plans to utilise at Real where Trent Alexander-Arnold will be waiting to occupy the role on the right.

Real are now looking at Benfica star Fernandez for the role on the left.

Marca report Los Blancos are now in ‘pole position’ to sign the 22-year-old. While his release clause currently stands at €50million, Real intend to negotiate a lower fee.

Fernandez was previously on Real’s books as a youngster before joining United in 2020. Despite starting for the club’s Under-23 side and impressing out on loan with Preston in the Championship, he left Old Trafford without making a senior appearance.

After an initial loan spell with Benfica last season, he joined the Portuguese giants on a permanent deal last summer for just £5million.

Fernandez has enjoyed a sensational first season in Portugal with fans left outraged by the club’s decision to sell him ‘for peanuts’ last summer with some of Europe’s biggest clubs now tracking him.

United do retain a buyback clause which is understood to stand at £15million, which expires at the end of the year.

The Premier League have been monitoring Fernandez’s progress this season but brought Patrick Dorgu to the club in January with Harry Amass also showing promise on the left.

Despite the buyback clause, Real would appear to have the upper hand with the report claiming Fernandez does not want to return to England.

Real’s recruitment drive is already in full swing with Alexander-Arnold poised to arrive from Liverpool.

The Spanish giants have also beaten Premier League sides in the race to sign Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen.

Real have agreed to pay the defender’s £50million release clause with personal terms close to being agreed.