Real Madrid eye move for former United player | OneFootball

Manchester United are in line for a sizeable cash boost thanks to Real Madrid’s pursuit of Álvaro Fernández.

United are gearing up for a big summer rebuild under Ineos, who plan to bring in around £100 million through player sales to fund changes to the squad.

Fernández was considered as a left wing-back option earlier in the season, but United instead opted to sign Patrick Dorgu in January. Since then, the Spaniard has emerged as a top target for Real Madrid and a deal is now edging closer.

The former United academy player has been one of Benfica's standout performers this season, featuring in 49 games, scoring four goals, and providing five assists across all competitions.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that the player is keen on a move to the Bernabéu, although Real Madrid are holding off on making a formal offer until after Benfica’s Portuguese Cup final against Sporting this weekend.

United won’t be triggering their £15m buy-back clause, but they do have a sell-on clause in place. With Fernandez's contract including a €50 million release clause, Los Blancos will have to meet that figure if they want him available for the Club World Cup.

It’s understood United would receive between 40% and 50% of any transfer fee, meaning they could pocket somewhere in the region of £16.8m to £20m - a tidy sum that could strengthen Ruben Amorim’s transfer budget this summer.

Real Madrid are preparing for a new era under incoming manager Xabi Alonso, having already signed Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen and closing in on a free transfer for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Adding Álvaro Fernández would complete an almost entirely new-look backline for Los Blancos.