Real Madrid are keeping close tabs on Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno, Spanish sports newspaper Marca has revealed.
According to this newspaper, Los Blancos have been eyeing the German footballer since January, following his great performances with his club.
Los Merengues directors were also eyeing Leno during last Friday’s Germany Under-21 match against Italy, and Marca claims the reports they brought back are very positive.
Iker Casillas is set to leave the club this summer and Los Blancos are studying different options to replace him. The first choice is David de Gea, but other names have been linked with Los Merengues, like Petr Cech and Leno.
Real Madrid scouts believe Leno could become one of the best goalkeepers in Europe and they could have recommended his signing.
The German keeper’s contract with Leverkusen ends in June 2018 and his buy-out clause is 18 million euros. Negotiations wouldn’t be complicated, but Florentino Perez prefers a more experienced player.
Leno joined Leverkusen from Stuttgart’s youth teams in 2011. Since then he has made 164 appearances in four seasons, becoming an undisputed starter for Roger Schmidt.
At 23 years old, he is one of the most promising goalkeepers in the Bundesliga and has already played 28 games for Germany national youth teams.
