Real Madrid 'forced to sell player' Man Utd wanted to smash wage bill to sign to fund new Xabi Alonso signing

Real Madrid may be forced to sell a player that Manchester United were once desperate to sign to facilitate Xabi Alonso's latest transfer target.

Although the transfer window is currently closed, La Liga giants Real Madrid made the most of the special window opened early ahead of the Club World Cup and secured two massive signings ahead of the revamped competition.

Almost immediately after it was confirmed that former Bayer Leverkusen manager Alonso would replace Carlo Ancelotti in the Bernabeu dugout, it became clear that the Spaniard was looking to rebuild the club's defence.

This started with deals for former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold and ex-Bournemouth wonderkid Dean Huijsen, who both joined in early June.

But Alonso's defensive refresh isn't set to stop there, as a new report has claimed that the club will sell a former Manchester United transfer target in order to secure a deal for a top-rated defender.

Dean Huijsen was unveiled as a Real Madrid player on June 10. (Image: Getty)

According to a report from Spanish outlet AS, Real Madrid are finalising the signing of highly-rated Benfica star Alvaro Carreras, but in doing so will be forced to sell one of two current players.

As it stands, Benfica are holding out for the full €50 million release clause included in Carreras contract, but Madrid feel that they can get a deal done for less and that it's only a matter of time before the Spaniard joins the club.

With Carreras expected to take the place of Madrid's starting left-back, the club will need to sell either Fran Garcia or Ferland Mendy to make room for him in the squad.

Of the two, it is currently believed that Mendy is the most likely departure with Real Madrid said to be growing frustrated with the 30-year-old's injury record.

Ferland Mendy could be sold by Real Madrid in the summer. (Image: Getty)

Comparatively, Garcia, who is five years younger, maintains a flawless injury record at Madrid and made 48 appearances in all competitions this season.

However, while Garcia has reportedly attracted interest from several clubs, including Bournemouth, Madrid are yet to receive any offers to sign Mendy, who is under contract until 2027.

But with a report from Fichajes in March claiming that United would be prepared to offer Mendy a bigger wage than his current £170,494 a week deal, it's possible that they could consider a move over the summer if it becomes clear that the Frenchman is available.