Las Palmas defender and Barcelona target Mauricio Lemos has been offered to Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain.
AS say that the player’s agents have informed Los Blancos that he could leave Las Palmas this summer if a suitable offer is made, despite the island club standing firm in Barca’s pursuit.
Madrid are not thought to have replied to the approach, but are considering whether or not to follow up.
Barca’s attempt to sign Lemos was complicated when Las Palmas discovered the Catalans had tried to convince the 20-year-old not to sign permanently for the islanders after his loan from Rubin Kazan.
It’s alleged Barca made an effort to dissuade Lemos from accepting Las Palmas’ offer when the club was to pay €3m to the Russians to make the move permanent, and Lemos duly had his head turned and didn’t want to stay in the Canaries.
Barca offered €4m for Lemos but Las Palmas exercised their option and signed the player, and then rejected Barca’s offer.
Madrid are looking into the signing in light of their looming FIFA transfer embargo, as summer 2016 could be the last time the club are able to sign until the winter of 2018.
However, the Madrid first team currently has its full complement of three non-EU players – James Rodriguez, Casemiro and Danilo – and is well covered in the centre of defence.
