Real Madrid are in a tricky situation with regard to the future of long-time defender Nacho Fernandez. The 32-year-old, a club academy man, has entered the final year of his contract with Los Blancos and is yet to sign an extension.
While the reigning champions of Spain and Europe are believed to have already tabled a contract offer for the veteran star, he has stalled negotiations as he is unhappy with his role in the squad.
Indeed, Nacho has found game-time hard to come by this season as he is behind Eder Militao, David Alaba and summer signing Antonio Rudiger in the pecking order under Carlo Ancelotti.
The lack of minutes have led to concerns within the player who has thus stopped talks over an extension at this point.
Alerted by this, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, two Premier League clubs – Aston Villa and Wolves – have shown an interest in signing Nacho.
Both Premier League sides have appointed new managers in recent times, with Villa handing over the reins to Unai Emery and Wolves’ naming Julen Lopetegui as the boss.
Emery knows Nacho well from his time as a manager in Spain and is said to be an admirer. Meanwhile, Lopetegui has worked with the 32-year-old during his spell in charge with Real Madrid and the Spanish national team.
Both managers are said to be keen on signing Nacho and are closely watching his developing situation at Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, as iterated earlier, the Merengues want to see the 32-year-old remain at the club and have put forth a one-year extension offer. However, in case he chooses to move on, the La Liga champions will not stand in his way.
The ball is in Nacho’s court now as he assesses his options and decides whether to renew, or remain at Real Madrid until the summer and leave as a free agent, or seek an exit in January itself.