Manchester United have reportedly emerged as potential suitors for Real Madrid defender Nacho.
The 34-year-old's contract at Bernabeu is due to expire at the end of June, and he is believed to be preparing to end his long association with the Spanish giants this summer in search of a fresh challenge.
Nacho has been with Real Madrid since the age of 11, progressing through the various youth sides to the senior team, making his first-team debut for the club in 2011.
The 24-time Spain international has made 355 appearances for Los Blancos in all competitions, scoring 16 goals and registering nine assists in the process.
Nacho has won three La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey crowns and five Champions League trophies during a highly-successful period, and he will be bidding to help Carlo Ancelotti's side secure two more titles this term in the shape of La Liga and the Champions League.
© Reuters
Man United 'exploring summer deal for Nacho'
The defender has largely been regarded as a squad player during his time in the Real Madrid first team, but he has made over 40 appearances in the last two campaigns and has already featured 36 times this term.
Eder Militao has only just returned from an ACL injury, while David Alaba has been missing since December with a serious knee injury, which has made Nacho an important figure this term.
The Spaniard played the full 120 minutes against Manchester City in the second leg of his team's Champions League quarter-final last week and also netted in the penalty shootout.
The defender's time at Bernabeu is seemingly coming to an end, though, and according to Fichajes, Man United are keen to secure his signature.
The report claims that Juventus and Inter Milan are also keeping an eye on his situation, with the Italian duo keen to sign the experienced centre-back on a free transfer.
© Reuters
Would Nacho be a good signing for Man United?
Man United are likely to sign two new centre-backs this summer, as both Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans only have contracts until the end of June.
It is likely that both will move on, while there is again uncertainty surrounding the futures of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire, so there are expected to be a couple of additions in that area of the field this summer.
Man United will spend big on one centre-back, but there are unlikely to be funds to spend heavily on two players in that area, so signing Nacho on a free transfer could be an incredibly smart move.
The Spaniard has huge experience at the highest level, and his leadership skills and personality makes him an even more attractive proposition for Man United.
Nacho is also capable of operating as a full-back, where the Red Devils have had big problems this season, and he would surely relish the challenge of playing in England at this stage of his career.
