Top clubs in pursuit for Mariano Diaz

Spanish-Dominican forward Mariano Diaz has been a target for top European clubs, mainly Tottenham, AC Milan, and AS Roma, after being out of favour by Zinedine Zidane.

Tottenham and AS Roma are willing to pay cash for the forward, however, AC Milan must obey the FFP rules, which may see them discussing a loan with Los Blancos.

Unfortunately, it seemed unlikely that a loan will be happening as the Madrid club wants to balance their accounts as quick as possible.

Tottenham is planning to sign Mariano to replace Fernando Llorente's vacant position, who is leaving as a free agent with his contract expiring days later.

He lost a starting position since the arrival of Luka Jovic and Rodrygo Goes, which will see him competing with Vinicius Jr, Karim Benzema, Rodrygo and Jovic for the first-team appearance. With Zidane also stating that the Dominican international isn't 'really' needed, the exit door will be open for the 25-year old.

Mariano impressed with Lyon in the 2017-18 season after Real sold him for €8m for Lyon, adding 21 goals and 6 assists in 45 appearances for the Ligue 1 side.

At August 2018, Los Blancos bought Mariano again for a higher fee of €21.5m. He only managed to net 4 goals in 24 competitions.

Mariano claimed that he is happy in the Bernabeu, however, the fact that he will need to compete with four teammates and being out of favour may switch his decision to leave Madrid.

His contract in the Santiago Bernabeu will expire at June 2023.