Real Madrid Turns down Alaves offer

Golden opportunity for Mariano

As the January transfer window nears its end, 23-year-old striker Mariano Diaz has decided to remain at Real Madrid rather than going out on loan to Alaves in search for more minutes.

Not only is Alaves putting in an impressive LaLiga campaign to date, as their draw against Atletico Madrid is testament to over the weekend, but they are also on the verge of a historic cup final should they overcome Celta Vigo in the semi-final.

Nonetheless, with Zinedine Zidane's two central strikers Alvaro Morata and Karim Benzema raising more questions than the French coach would like, Mariano believes he has a chance to become an important squad player, filling in when called upon.

At 23, these decisions could have significant ramifactions for the rest of his career, and the Dominican forward will be hoping his eye for the right career move is as good as his eye for goal.