According to claims from Football Espana, Real Madrid are keen to offload out-of-favour striker Mariano Diaz in January, with the report suggesting that the Los Blancos are looking to part ways with some of the fringe players in their squad.
Having completed a big-money deal to bring in Eden Hazard from Chelsea in the summer, Real Madrid are desperate to push on and bolster their ranks with a few more world-class talents, including Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek, and Diaz’s departure would free up some valuable funds (h/t Football Espana).
The 25-year-old Dominican centre-forward was heavily linked with an exit from the Bernabeu throughout the summer after struggling for regular minutes last campaign, where he scored 4 goals in 19 appearances across all competitions.
French side Monaco and fellow La Liga outfit Real Betis were interested in securing the services of the wantaway striker but nothing really came to fruition in the end and Diaz stayed put at Madrid. (h/t Football Espana)
Interestingly, Spanish outlet AS Sport credited North London giants Spurs with an interest in Mariano Diaz during the summer transfer window. The Lilywhites were on the lookout in the market for a much-needed back-up for star striker Harry Kane and the 25-year-old was identified as someone who fits the bill perfectly.
To that end, Spurs have been handed a massive boost in their pursuit of the Dominican forward, with Football Espana now suggesting that Real Madrid are going to put him up for sale once again when the window reopens in January.
Diaz is apparently not a part of manager Zinedine Zidane’s plans moving forward and the door looks open for the Lilywhites to reignite their interest in the 25-year-old and make an official approach for the striker during the mid-season trading period.
Despite his lack of regular minutes at Real Madrid, the tricky jet-heeled centre-forward continues to be highly-rated in Europe and it is worth mentioning here that Diaz has had his fair share of dazzling moments in that famous white jersey whenever he has been afforded an opportunity.
Additionally, he racked up a sensational 21 goals for Lyon in the 2017-18 season and caught the eye with his lightning pace, physicality, devastating eye for goal, clinical finishing and excellent close control before rejoining Madrid for a second stint last summer.
Meanwhile, Spurs have already had a few blemishes early in the season. Besides the ignominious 7-2 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich, the Lilywhites have also lost to Newcastle United and Brighton, not to mention their painful Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Colchester United.
The North Londoners were tipped by many at the start of the season to push on under Mauricio Pochettino and challenge the likes of Liverpool and Man City for the Premier League crown but they should be disappointed with what has been a completely indifferent start to the campaign.
Harry Kane hasn’t been at his best but he has still managed to deliver the goals, however, Spurs have apparently lacked the cutting-edge in their attack and an effective ‘Plan B’ to unlock stubborn defences, as highlighted by their defeats against Newcastle United and Leicester City.
Heung-min Son hasn’t been consistent enough, Dele Alli has hardly been a regular due to his struggles with injuries and Lucas Moura, too, hasn’t done enough to support Kane up top.
Spurs had the services of Fernando Llorente last term but they are seriously short of quality cover for Kane following the Spaniard’s departure and a deal for Mariano Diaz in January would be a real boost to Pochettino’s dynamics.
Diaz’s intelligent movement, ability to put away chances as well as his proficiency in running at defenders with pace should add another dimension and possibly, an X-Factor to Tottenham’s attack. He is just 25 and one would expect him to add a lot more to his game as his career wears on.
All in all, Tottenham reigniting interest in Mariano Diaz looks like a no-brainer and they would really make themselves look foolish if they don’t make an attempt to capitalise on the striker’s situation at Real Madrid when the window reopens in January.
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