Carreras emerges as Real Madrid's top target for left flank

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.