Real Madrid are reportedly edging closer to a deal for former Man United left back Alvaro Carreras in a move that could bring welcome financial benefits for the Red Devils.
Carreras, 22, who was previously known as Fernandez, came through the youth ranks at Real before he moved to Old Trafford as a 17-year-old in 2020.
The Spaniard failed to make an appearance for United, but did spend time on loan at Preston, Granada and Benfica.
He ultimately joined Benfica in a permanent transfer in the summer of 2024 for a fee rising to €9million (£7.8m).
The 22-year-old has excelled in Portugal, playing 68 times for Benfica, and he has subsequently attracted the interest of several major European clubs, including his former side Real.
And, according to Fabrizio Romano, Carreras is nearing a return to the Bernabeu after a €50m (£43m) agreement was reached with Benfica.
The report claims that alongside the fixed fee, a deal for Real youngster Rafael Obrador to go in the opposite direction for €5m (£4.3m), has been agreed.
Obrador, 21, is also a left back, and he has played 68 times for Real Madrid Castilla, the Spanish giants' reserve team.
If a move does get completed, this would bring good news to United, with the Red Devils having inserted a 20 per cent sell on clause for any transfer fee above £5m when he joined Benfica.
And for €50m (£43m), this means Ruben Amorim's side would be due €10m (£8.6m) in a welcome boost for the Portuguese as he looks to reshape his squad after a dismal 2024-25 campaign.
Meanwhile, left back has been viewed as a priority position for Real this summer given Ferland Mendy's injury struggles last season, although Fran Garcia has impressed at the Club World Cup.
Spanish outlet Marca claim Carreras has been Real's top target and they were hoping to complete a deal before the Club World Cup after fellow defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen both arrived.
However, negotiations initially proved to be difficult, with Benfica holding out for Carreras' full €50m (£43m) release clause, but Real wanted to do a deal more around the €40m (£34.5m) mark.
A compromise was reached with the involvement of a €5m (£4.3m) fee for Obrador, meaning Real are effectively paying €45m (£38.8m) for the 22-year-old.
Carreras is said to be desperate to return to Spain and personal terms with Los Blancos were easily agreed.
Real president Florentino Perez and his Benfica counterpart Rui Costa have been handling the talks.
Correras is expected to challenge Garcia for a starting spot, but Real's current left back insisted he was relaxed when asked about his potential new competition at the Club World Cup.
'I try to be calm,' he said. 'I dedicate myself to working for myself, for the team, give my best every day that I put on this shirt and hopefully I can continue to do so for much longer because I feel good.'
