Everton and Stoke City are reportedly keen on Real Madrid defender Diego Llorente.
Diego Llorente in action for Rayo Vallecano against Barcelona’s Neymar
According to Spanish newspaper Diario Sur, Everton are interested in signing Real Madrid defender Diego Llorente after his impressive displays on loan at Malaga.
Madrid-born Llorente, 23, has been coming up through the ranks with Real since joining the club way back in 2002 at the age of just eight, but he has made just two first-team appearances for the club.
Diego Llorente in action for Rayo Vallecano against Barcelona’s Lionel Messi
Llorente featured for Real’s B and C sides before being sent on loan to Rayo Vallecano last season, and he was again farmed out this term with a move to Malaga.
The centre back – who can also play at right back or in holding midfield – has starred with Malaga, making 25 La Liga appearances whilst scoring two goals, but his situation at Real Madrid is difficult.
Diego Llorente in action for Malaga
With the likes of Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, Pepe and Nacho Fernandez all at Zinedine Zidane’s disposal, Llorente may struggle for first-team football, and clubs are now keen to land Llorente this summer.
Spanish newspaper Diario Sur report that Everton are interested in signing Llorente after manager Ronald Koeman saw him in action whilst scouting Malaga forward Sandro Ramirez, whilst Stoke City are also believed to be keen.
Diego Llorente in action for Rayo Vallecano against Barcelona’s Luis Suarez
Real are believed to want no less than €15million (£13million) for Llorente’s signature, and with Stoke offering €10million (£8.7million), Everton will have to move quickly to land the Spaniard.
With Phil Jagielka ageing and Ramiro Funes Mori less than convincing, finding a younger centre back to partner Ashley Williams appears to be a priority for the Toffees this summer – and Llorente is a new name that can be added to Everton’s wish list.
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