Latest Manchester United transfer news as former player Alvaro Carreras is linked with European giants Real Madrid
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Alvaro Fernandez left Manchester United last summer to join Benfica
Alvaro Fernandez left Manchester United last summer to join Benfica
(Image: Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Former Manchester United talent Alvaro Carreras has now been named as a 'priority' target for Real Madrid, who look to be starting the summer transfer window off strongly.
According to Marca, the 22-year-old's arrival is of elevated importance as Los Blancos want to strengthen the team for their new manager, with Xabi Alonso expected to take charge of Los Blancos starting in the FIFA Club World Cup next month.
Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold looks certain to be signing for free and reports elsewhere have also stated that Bournemouth talent Dean Huijsen's £50m release clause has been activated.
A move for Carreras could bring Man United into play, however, as they still possess two significant clauses of their own relating to the left-back and his time at Benfica.
When United sold to the defender to the Liga Portugal outfit for £5m - potentially rising to £8m with add-ons - at the end of a successful loan 12 months ago, Old Trafford chiefs first covered themselves in the exact case the Spaniard developed into a player sought after by Europe's top clubs.
To prevent a potential rival from strengthening whilst improving themselves, a buy-back option worth around £15m was included.
Therefore in theory, Real could be beaten to the transfer at a fraction of the €50m (£42.1m) release clause that Marca say other clubs have to pay.
It is the Spanish publication's belief that Man United would not take up their option, paving the way for Alonso and Co.
And the Manchester Evening News understands that three to four signings are being targeted for the summer transfer window, none of them left-backs.
Top priority is strengthening Ruben Amorim's attack, after that a midfielder is desired and then other signings would be driven by outgoings.
The other clause Man United included in Carreras' exit to Benfica was a significant sell-on clause, in the eventuality he did move on to a different club so they are still able to bank a tidy fee.
Another crafty possibility, one which would greatly aid the club's compliance with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) would be to re-sign Carreras then sell him straight to Real themselves.
Such a 'bridge transfer' is allowed under FIFA's guidance so long as he does not play for the club after returning.
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