Real Madrid continue to work behind the scenes to strengthen their squad and are now looking to reinforce the left-hand side of the pitch. Alvaro Carreras, currently on loan at Benfica, has emerged as the club's preferred option.
With Xabi Alonso's arrival at the helm increasingly imminent, Los Blancos are already planning summer reinforcements — particularly with the FIFA Club World Cup set to take place in June, leaving little time to complete signings.
With deals for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen believed to be all but done barring any late surprises, attention has now shifted towards a left-back capable of operating as a wing-back.
And according to Marca, Alvaro Carreras is the name at the top of Madrid's list. The 22-year-old has impressed during his spell in Lisbon after Benfica secured his services in a €6 million deal.
Solid at the back — as he showed against Barcelona when up against Lamine Yamal — and intelligent going forward, Carreras offers a balanced profile and can deliver quality in the final third from the left flank.
The main stumbling block is his release clause, currently set at €50 million. However, Real Madrid are hopeful of negotiating a reduced fee with Benfica. They also face potential competition from Manchester United, who retain a buy-back clause worth €18 million, valid until December.
Carreras has history at Valdebebas. After leaving Deportivo La Coruna as a youth player, he joined Real Madrid's academy, spending three years there before being snapped up by Manchester United in 2020.