Real Madrid keeping tabs on former academy ace; Barcelona, Man United also keen | OneFootball

Real Madrid have their left-back position well-sorted with the reliable Ferland Mendy as the first-choice starter and Fran Garcia as backup.

Even though an official announcement is yet to arrive, Carlo Ancelotti has already let it slip that Mendy has already signed a new contract with the club as well.

Despite that, the Merengues continue to keep an eye out for possible options to further strengthen the position.

Alphonso Davies, who will become a free agent next year, is a key target for Los Blancos, while they are also keeping an eye on former academy talent Miguel Gutierrez, who is thriving at Girona.

Real Madrid watching Alvaro Carreras

Now, it appears that Real Madrid have set their sights on another of their ex-academy prospects in the form of Alvaro Carreras.

Indeed, according to O Jogo, Real Madrid are closely watching the 21-year-old Carreras’ progress at SL Benfica, along with bitter rivals Barcelona and Premier League bigwigs Manchester United.

Alvaro spent three years at the Real Madrid academy between 2017 and 2020, having arrived from Deportivo La Coruna.

On Real Madrid’s radars. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

The Spanish Under-21 international left Los Blancos to join Manchester United before ending up at Benfica in January earlier this year.

Having initially signed him on loan, the Portuguese giants made his transfer permanent this summer by activating a €6 million buy clause.

Now a regular starter for Benfica, it appears that Alvaro has managed to make an impression on two of his former employers – Real Madrid and Manchester United, as well as Barça.

All three clubs are understood to be closely monitoring the 21-year-old left-back and are collecting data to present a final report on the player to present it to their coaches and technical staff.

Manchester United might have an edge over the La Liga giants as the Red Devils have a buyback clause inserted for the 21-year-old and are in need of a new left-back given the fitness woes of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

It remains to be seen if the interest from Real Madrid or Barcelona develops into anything more serious in the coming months.