Madrid weigh up re-signing Mariano

He left for €8million last summer and lit France alight, scoring 21 goals in all competitions for Lyon, including 18 in Ligue 1.

It's the sort of prolific form which has recaptured the attention of Madrid chiefs, who are now weighing up the possibility of bringing him back.

The aforementioned media source claims 'Los Blancos' have already made contact with Mariano to gauge his interest in a potential return.

However, the striker may not be content with playing their main back-up, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, especially after featuring in 42 games for Lyon.

That could change if Ronaldo or Gareth Bale push through moves away from the Bernabeu, opening up an opportunity for more game time.

Madrid do not have a buy-back option in Mariano's contract but a good relationship with Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas could help facilitate a move.

They do have the right of first refusal though should another club come in for him and would receive 35 per cent of any future transfer fee.