Real Madrid have upped their interested in Valencia left-back Jose Gaya, reports claim, but Los Che aren’t giving the player up without a fight.
AS say Madrid have been in initial contact with the player’s representatives to establish the level of his interest in a move to Santiago Bernabeu.
But Valencia, aware of Madrid’s desire to sign Gaya, have offered the 19-year-old a contract extension that would lengthen his deal to 2021. It is currently due to expire in 2018.
Valencia’s proposed renewal would also raise Gaya’s release clause from its current €18m, AS add, and Amadeo Salvo and Rufete have started the process.
Madrid’s reports on Gaya have labelled him as ‘the new Roberto Carlos’ and President Florentino Perez is keen to see the player arrive in the capital.
Valencia are insistent on retaining Gaya, however, and the contract he is to be offered would put him on the second tier of earners at the club, behind only the likes of Alvaro Negredo and Enzo Perez.
Madrid won’t move for another left-back until they know the status of Gaya, and similarly will only make an approach if his escape clause stays at its current level.
The club are keen to avoid a situation similar to that of the purchase of Asier Illarramendi, when they ended up paying €38.9m, his clause plus taxes, to Real Sociedad.
Should Gaya make the move it would be as a replacement for Fabio Coentrao, although there may also be competition from Manchester City.
