Former Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz has thrived in Ligue 1 with Lyon and is wanted by Premier League duo Everton and West Ham United.
With Karim Benzema woefully out of form this season, Real Madrid fans have been wondering just how differently a dismal title defence might have panned out had they not sold Alvaro Morata to Chelsea last summer.
But the decision to let Mariano Diaz leave for Lyon in a deal worth £7 million looks arguably even more foolish.
Because the 24-year-old Spaniard has emerged as one of the most promising young strikers in Europe this season, and now finds himself at the centre of a tug-of-war between Premier League duo Everton and West Ham United.
The young Spaniard has been one of the surprise stars in the French top flight, scoring 18 goals in 30 starts and 21 in all competitions in a remarkable breakthrough campaign.
Mariano can seem a little selfish at times but he has the makings of being a complete centre-forward, blessed with pace, power and rocket of a shot and a leap that would give former Los Blancos teammate Cristiano Ronaldo a run for his money.
Mariano only ever made eight substitute appearances in La Liga for Real Madrid, and a big money move to Everton or West Ham will highlight another mistake from the boys at the Bernabeu.
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