Real Madrid are still trying to sell Marcelo Bielsa’s reported Leeds United target Mariano Diaz, as the striker has continually rejected transfers away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who report the Galacticos are desperate to offload the Dominican in January. But Mariano is very reluctant to leave the La Liga leaders this month, despite his severe lack of game time.
Carlo Ancelotti has rarely used the 28-year-old since leaving Everton and returning to Spain last summer. The Italian has awarded Mariano just five appearances across all competitions so far, for a mere total of only 178-minutes. Just 12 have come in the Champions League.
Mariano has additionally only started two of his outings, including just one La Liga fixture in October. He is also yet to score, and offered his only assist for the term in his start at Elche.
Yet even after playing just 28-minutes over Los Blancos’ last 10 league games, Mariano has rejected offers to leave. Valencia and Super Lig side Besiktas have both shown an interest in the £105k-a-week attacker, but he continues to say no in favour of fighting for his place.
Bielsa has asked Leeds to seal Mariano transfer from Real Madrid
Real Madrid still want to find a new club for Mariano during the January transfer window, three-and-a-half years after paying Lyon £33m just 12-months after selling him for £7.2m.
Leeds could yet come to Real Madrid’s rescue, as 90min reported in November that Bielsa had requested his transfer. The Argentine asked Director of Football Victor Orta to sign a new forward in January given Patrick Bamford’s injury problems.
Bielsa may still have to convince Marino to accept a transfer to Leeds from Real Madrid, though. While the Whites can offer a chance for more consistent minutes, they do remain in the Premier League relegation fight.
The Elland Road side hold an eight-point advantage over Burnley in 18th, but have played twice more. They also hold the third-worst defensive record having conceded 37 goals and seventh-worst offence with 21 goals in 19 games.
Raphinha has also scored eight of their efforts and is the only United player with more than two goals. So, Real Madrid’s wish to sell Mariano may encourage Leeds’ transfer aims.
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