Newly-appointed Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Julen Lopetegui is reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid duo Nacho Fernandez and Mariano Diaz.
After losing his job with Sevilla at the beginning of October, Lopetegui was named the new head coach at Molineux last weekend to replace Bruno Lage.
With Wolves currently sitting inside the relegation zone, the 56-year-old is expected to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window in a bid to help his new side climb away from danger.
According to Estadio Deportivo, former Real Madrid boss Lopetegui has identified Nacho and Mariano as potential targets ahead of the winter window.
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The report adds that Lopetegui expressed his interest in signing both players during his time in charge of Sevilla and he is now keen to lure them to Molineux.
Nacho has spent his entire career at Real Madrid, initially working his way through the youth ranks for eight years before making his professional debut back in 2009.
The 32-year-old defender has made a total of 285 appearances for Los Blancos across all competitions, but he is regarded as a peripheral figure under Carlo Ancelotti and has started only four times this season.
Wolves could be in a position to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with Nacho, as the Spaniard's current deal at the Santiago Bernabeu is due to expire next summer, or they could hold discussions over a permanent transfer in January.
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Like Nacho, Mariano has failed to establish himself as a first-team regular under Ancelotti and the 29-year-old striker has made only five substitute outings so far this season.
The Dominican Republic international is expected to leave Real Madrid in the near future, with his contract also set to expire in June 2023.
Mariano scored 21 goals in 45 appearances for Ligue 1 side Lyon in the 2017-18 campaign before returning to Real Madrid, where he has since netted only seven times in 67 games across all tournaments.
It remains to be seen whether both Nacho or Mariano would be prepared to join a struggling Wolves outfit who are at risk of dropping down into the Championship for next season.
Wolves have also been linked with a move for Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who is currently on loan at Burnley.
Oliver Thomas
