Real Madrid are reportedly ready to press ahead with plans to extend the contract of Brahim Diaz.
When Diaz was struggling to earn regular game time at Manchester City, Real capitalised by signing the Spaniard in January 2019.
Up until September of the following year, the playmaker only played a bit-part role, making six starts and 15 substitute outings in all competitions.
However, since being able to continue his development on loan at AC Milan, Diaz has progressed into the kind of player that many expected behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium and the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 23-year-old has contributed 16 goals and 10 assists from 109 appearances, failing to feature in just seven games as Milan won the Serie A title in 2021-22.
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Diaz has remained a key man during this campaign, helping I Rossoneri reach the Champions League quarter-finals, and the Italian giants are likely to welcome any opportunity to retain the services of the creator.
Nevertheless, his upward trajectory at San Siro has naturally caught the attention of the powers-that-be at Real and head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Los Blancos are putting together the final touches to the contract offer that they intend to present to Diaz.
Although two years remain on his contract at Real, the La Liga outfit seemingly want to guarantee that Diaz is ready to be part of the senior squad next season.
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Real are not necessarily short of players who can be deployed in creative positions, but there are doubts over a number of players in the squad.
Dani Ceballos and Mariano Diaz are out of contract in the summer, while Eden Hazard is not in the plans of Ancelotti going forward.
Marco Asensio's future remains uncertain, too, despite the Spain international being provided with increased game time in recent months.
Real may also welcome the opportunity to further lower the average of their squad with an established player, particularly when they do not have to shell out a transfer fee to sign a fresh face.
Darren Plant
