Barcelona and Real Madrid are interested in signing Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras at the end of the season, according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo (page 7).
The Spanish defender joined Benfica on loan from Manchester United in January last year. He was signed on a permanent deal last summer with a £5 million buy clause.
Carreras was initially a fringe player under manager Roger Schmidt, but his fortunes completely changed after Bruno Lage replaced him in the Benfica dugout.
The 21-year-old has been one of the first names on the team sheet, and his performances have not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona and Real Madrid keeping a close eye on him.
The Blaugrana are expected to monitor his performances again when they face Benfica in the Champions League round of 16. The first leg will be played in Lisbon on Wednesday.
United have the option to re-sign Carreras for £15 million, but manager Ruben Amorim reportedly abandoned the clause in January and opted for Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu instead.
The Red Devils continue to follow their graduate ahead of the summer.
United could return for Carreras depending on player sales
The Spaniard was heavily linked with a reunion with United in January, but the hierarchy ended up recruiting Dorgu from Lecce for an initial £25m package.
Dorgu has proven to be a fine signing for Amorim. He has already played as a right and left wing-back. The Dane has seamlessly adapted to the manager’s system.
Despite this, a future move for Carreras can’t be ruled out. Tyrell Malacia is poised to leave United on a permanent transfer following his loan spell with PSV.
Luke Shaw has had another injury-plagued campaign with the Red Devils. If United were to offload him, they could revive their pursuit of Carreras this summer.
It appears a no-brainer decision to purchase him. The left-back has a high £41m release clause in his contract, but United can sign him for a bargain £15m fee.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
