Garcia transfer eyed as Real Madrid target ex-academy star amid Mendy's injury

Real Madrid are considering re-signing Fran Garcia from Rayo Vallecano amid concerns over Ferland Mendy's fitness, according to reports in Spain.

Mendy is an injury doubt once again ahead of Real's crucial Champions League last-16 outing against PSG later this month, having picked up a muscular problem in his adductor.

The France left-back, who has spent close to 250 days out injured in his two-and-a-half-year stint at the Bernabeu, could now be set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Carlo Ancelotti may now have only veteran Marcelo, 33, and young starlet Miguel Gutierrez, 20, as his only natural options at left-back heading into their crunch clash with PSG on February 15.

According to AS, Mendy's regular fitness problems have left Madrid chiefs to mull over a potential replacement ahead of the summer transfer window.

And bringing back Garcia, who came through their academy before leaving to join Rayolast summer, is understood to be an option for them.

The 22-year-old made one senior appearance for Los Blancos, spending the majority of his time in their Castilla B side after penning professional terms.

He was therefore sent out on loan to Rayo in the 2020/21 campaign, and after becoming a key player for Andoni Iraola the Vallecas outfit signed him on a permanent basis.

However, as part of the £1.8million deal to take him to the Estadio de Vallecas, Real maintained 50 per cent of the player's rights.

That means they can re-sign their academy graduate this summer for half the fee Rayo value him at, making him an enticing option for Bernabeu officials.

Garcia has impressed for Rayo this term, racking up 21 La Liga appearances and helping Iraola's men keep pace in the race for European qualification.

Meanwhile Gutierrez, who has only featured four times for Madrid in 2021/22, is expected to be sent out on loan next season.