Transfer Centre

Agent: 'Real Madrid want Nicolas Tagliafico'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 26 February 2019

Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico's agent claims that his client is on Real Madrid's shortlist to replace Marcelo, who is heading for Juventus.

Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico is on Real Madrid's shortlist as the European champions prepare to lose Marcelo to Juventus, according to the former's agent Ricardo Schlieper.

Marcelo has struggled to show his best form for Madrid this season and it now appears that Sergio Reguilon is the Spanish club's number one left-back.

Various reports have linked Marcelo with a move to Juve, where he would join close friend and former Los Blancos teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Schlieper, who represents Ajax defender Tagliafico, has said that Marcelo is heading for Juve, which has led to Madrid targeting a move for his client.

"It's said that Tagliafico's name has been included on Real Madrid's shortlist because Marcelo will join Juventus," Schlieper told Radio Rivadavia.

"However, no-one's called me yet, even if there have been enquiries from other teams. He has two years left on his contract and he has no release clause, but Ajax have set a minimum price for the top European clubs.

"Which teams are they? All I can say is that among them, there's a big Spanish club. That said, I think it's the right time for Tagliafico to step up a level."

Tagliafico has made 44 appearances for Ajax since joining the club from Independiente last January.

The 26-year-old has also been previously linked with a move to Arsenal.