Benfica manager confirms Real Madrid & Atletico Madrid want left-back | OneFootball

Benfica manager Bruno Lage has confirmed Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are both battling to sign left-back Alvaro Carreras.

It was revealed late last month that Madrid had identified Carreras as a summer transfer target, although his asking price of €60m (£51.1m) was thought to be too high for the Spanish side to pursue a deal.

A twist in the tale came earlier this month when it was claimed Madrid could try and sign Carreras through an agreement with Manchester United, who have a buy-back clause on their former academy gem worth around €18m (£15.4m).

It is suggested Madrid are looking to convince United to re-sign Carreras and immediately sell him to them for around €35m (£25.6m), helping Madrid save money and offering cash-strapped United the chance to make a quick £10m.

Lage was quizzed on Carreras' future during a press conference, in which he confirmed two of Spain's top sides are starting to circle.

"When I arrived here [in 2024], Carreras was a flop and today Real Madrid and Atletico are interested," Lage explained. "I would go as far as to say that he is the player we use most, he is important to our dynamics and I am very happy to have him.

"I only say he was a flop because that's what I read."

With any deal for Carreras looking complicated, Spanish outlet Relevo state Madrid are drawing up a long list of targets and have once again taken an interest in re-signing Miguel Gutierrez from Girona.

Gutierrez, who made ten appearances for Madrid's first team before leaving in 2022, is available for a buy-back clause of just €8m (£6.8m).