Real Madrid are reportedly ready to offload Marcos Llorente, with Zinedine Zidane keen on selling him this summer.
According to a report by Spanish publication Don Balon, Marcos Llorente’s time is set to come to an end this summer, with Real Madrid ready to offload him. The Spaniard does not enjoy the best of relationships with Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane, who prefers moving him on.
Llorente progressed through the ranks at Real Madrid, having joined the club’s youth setup in 2008. The player, though, is yet to become a regular member of the first-team setup at the Bernabeu, although he made his senior debut in 2015.
Last season, Llorente was sent out on loan to Deportivo Alaves, where he quickly established himself as a pivotal figure. In fact, the move worked wonders for the Spaniard as he was one of the first names on the team sheet for Mauricio Pellegrino, and was widely regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in La Liga.
At least 35 teams have shown interest in Marcos Llorente including every La Liga team except Athletic Bilbao. Also BPL and Bundesliga teams. pic.twitter.com/9FPxtpzFm5
— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) August 22, 2017
The 22-year-old made 32 appearances for the La Liga newcomers over the course of the campaign, and was a key reason for the club boasting one of the best defensive records in the Spanish top flight last season, with his tenacious presence at the centre of the park.
Back at the Bernabeu now, there have been growing expectations from Llorente to play a big role under Zidane this season and challenge Casemiro for the holding midfield spot. However, he seems to be third in the pecking order behind the Brazilian and Mateo Kovacic currently.
The report adds that Llorente does not enjoy a good relationship with Zidane, who gave the player his big break for Real Madrid Castilla in 2014, dating back to their time together in the reserve setup. With Kovacic being an able understudy to Casemiro, the Frenchman feels he can offload the 22-year-old this summer.
His position in the pecking order should also tempt Llorente into seeking pastures anew as opportunities are likely to be few and far between at Santiago Bernabeu. Thus, the player’s time with Real Madrid looks destined to come to an end this summer, with the club ready to listen to offers from him.
He has previously attracted interest from the likes of PSG and Atletico Madrid, although it remains to be seen if the two clubs are still keen on him. For now though, a move away from the Bernabeu beckons for Llorente.
