Real Madrid in talks for £42m ex-Man Utd academy star who never played for club

Real Madrid are reportedly in talks to sign former Manchester United academy star Alvaro Carreras from Benfica.

The Spanish left back had joined Manchester United from Los Blancos back in 2022 and played in the Red Devils' youth teams for two seasons.

Carreras was named Man United's under-23 Player of the Year in 2022, before having a loan spell at Preston.

He also spent time on loan at Granada and Benfica during the 2023-24 season, with the Portuguese giants activating a clause in his contract to sign him for £5million last summer.

Carreras departed Old Trafford without having made a competitive appearance for the club.

Man United have a £15m buy-back clause for the 22-year-old but chose not to activate it in the January transfer window, instead signing Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.

According to the Athletic, Real Madrid have now opened talks to sign the 22-year-old ahead of this summer's FIFA Club World Cup.

Carreras has a £42million release clause in his Benfica contract, which runs until 2029, but Los Blancos reportedly hope to negotiate a lower fee.

The report claims Carreras will communicate his desire to leave Benfica following the Portuguese Cup final against Sporting Lisbon on Sunday.

Carreras has played 40 matches in all competitions for Benfica this season, scoring four goals and providing five assists.

He was part of the Benfica side which won the Portuguese League Cup earlier this season.

Real Madrid reportedly targeted Carreras as the club presses ahead with rebuilding their defence this summer.

The Spanish giants have already to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth in a £50million deal.

The newly capped Spanish international's move was confirmed last week.

Real Madrid are also expected to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, after he confirmed he would leave the Premier League champions when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The deals come ahead of the expected arrival of Xabi Alonso as manager, with the outgoing Bayer Leverkusen boss poised to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who will take charge of Brazil.

Real Madrid's early transfer business this summer comes ahead of the expanded Club World Cup, which has reportedly been targeted as a priority by the club.

Real Madrid will face Al Hilal, Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg in the group stages of the 32-team tournament in the United States.

Their opening match will be against Saudi side Al-Hilal on June 18.