Real Madrid plan to use Manchester United as a 'bridge' for one of their key targets this summer.
Man United and Real are set to be busy when the transfer window reopens this summer.
Ruben Amorim is set to recruit new players as he looks to build his own team, having arrived at Old Trafford midway through this season.
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The Spanish giants, meanwhile, have identified several players, including Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who appears set to join the club on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season.
They are also targeting a new left-back, with Alvaro Carreras high on their transfer wish-list.
Benfica's Carreras has impressed in Portugal's top flight and has made 46 appearances across all competitions this season.
But Real don't want to negotiate a transfer with Benfica, who value the player at £51 million.
The La Liga side are reluctant to meet Benfica's asking price and plan to make a request to Man United, according to Spanish outlet AS.
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They want the Red Devils to re-sign Carreras as they inserted a £15 million buy-back clause in the contract with Benfica, who paid a fee of £5 million.
Real would then sign the 22-year-old from Man United for 'a significantly lower amount than what Benfica would ask them if they went directly to the Lisbon market'.
Per the report, the situation is described as a 'win-win' for Real and Man United.
Real get their man and Man United receive a fee that would go to their own signings.
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Real estimates the offer needed to strike a deal with Man United is between £26 million and £30 million.
Carreras signed for Man United from Real in September 2020.
He went straight into the youth set-up before being sent out on loan to Preston North End for the 2022/23 campaign.
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The Portuguese joined Granada on loan before moving to Benfica.
Topics: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Football
Nasir Jabbar