Real Madrid defender Nacho 'wanted by MLS clubs'

A number of MLS clubs are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid defender Nacho on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old has spent more than 20 years at Bernabeu, joining the club at the age of 11, progressing through the various youth teams before making his first-team debut in 2011.

Nacho has found it difficult to secure a regular starting role at the club over the last 11 years, but he has still made 286 appearances in all competitions, scoring 15 goals and contributing nine assists in the process.

The Spaniard has played 54 times in the Champions League during his time at the club, in addition to 193 appearances in La Liga, with the defender likely to pass 200 this season.

Antonio Rudiger's arrival over the summer has further increased the competition for roles at the back for Real Madrid, but Nacho has made 11 appearances in all competitions this term.

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There is currently speculation surrounding the versatile defender's contract, as his current agreement with the Spanish and European champions is due to expire at the end of June.

According to AS, many MLS clubs are keen to sign the Spaniard, who as it stands, would be able to hold talks with foreign clubs in January to discuss a pre-contract.

The report claims that Inter Miami are one of the teams in question, but Nacho has made it clear that he does not want to leave 'the club of his life' at this moment in time.

Nacho is allegedly hopeful that he will be offered a fresh one-year deal until the summer of 2024, when he could then decide to seek pastures new depending on his playing situation.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, AC Milan and Roma are also said to be keeping a close eye on the situation, but the defender is 'very attached to his life' in the Spanish capital.

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Nacho was a regular for Real Madrid during the 2021-22 campaign, making 42 appearances in all competitions, while he has played at least 30 times in five of his last six full seasons at Bernabeu.

The defender has also enjoyed success in terms of trophies, lifting the La Liga title on three occasions, in addition to five Champions League crowns and one Copa del Rey.

Real Madrid currently have seven first-team players with contracts expiring at the end of the season, including Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

Dani Ceballos only has a deal until next June and is likely to depart on a free transfer, while Mariano Diaz is also expected to leave Bernabeu at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.