Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen set sights on Real Madrid star | OneFootball

The powers that be at Bundesliga heavyweights Bayer Leverkusen have identified an up-and-coming member of the defensive ranks at Real Madrid as a target for the summer.

That’s according to German outlet Sport Bild.

The Real talent in the sights of Xabi Alonso and his team? Rafa Marín.

Marín, for his part, is a 21-year-old central defender, who has spent the season to date on loan with La Liga outfit Alavés.

The Spaniard has established himself as an integral member of Alavés’ backline, with his performances having long been garnering praise across both his home country, and Europe alike.

This week, reports stemming from the media pointed towards Marín preparing to take his place in Carlo Ancelotti’s first-team squad at Real Madrid next season.

Just days on, though, confirmation has arrived that the stopper has made his way onto the radar of a leading outfit on the continent.

As per the aforementioned Bild, ahead of the predicted departures of at least one member of the club’s crop of central defenders in the summer, recently-crowned German champions Bayer Leverkusen have identified Marín as a chief target.

Real Madrid, it is added, would only be willing to sanction the departure of the club’s youth talent either on loan, or in a permanent deal featuring a buyback option.

It remains to be seen whether either such option would appeal to the brass at the BayArena.

Conor Laird | GSFN