Valencia have contacted Real Madrid with the hope of taking central defender Javi Sánchez on loan for the rest of the season. In a similar case to Barcelona, who are without Ousmane Dembélé for the rest of the season, Valencia are keen to bring in a centre-back as a temporary replacement for Ezequiel Garay. Garay underwent surgery at the start of the month to repair a ruptured cruciate ligament and under such circumstances, LaLiga would allow the club to look for a substitiute.

Javi Sánchez, just one appearance this season

They have targetted Madrid's 22-year-old central defender Javi Sánchez who is currently out on loan at Valladolid where he has only played one full game this season - the Copa del Rey tie against Tenerife. Valencia have requested the defender on loan but with a clause which would allow them to buy him outright in July. Madrid seem open to the idea but would likely insert another clause which would enable them to buy the player back at a later date. Madrid have high hopes for Sánchez even though his loan at Valladolid has been dogged by problems with his ankle.

Valladolid meanwhile, would be open to letting Sánchez go. Ronaldo will be aware that in the back offices at Madrid, there is great disappointment at how the three players loaned out at Zorrilla (Lunin, De Frutos and Javi Sánchez) have been deprived of playing opportunities. The former two have already left Valladolid (to join Oviedo and Rayo respectively), and Sánchez could follow suit. Valladolid would have no problems breaking the conditions of the loan arrangement in this case as they don't want to jeopardise their chances of loaning players from Madrid in the future.

Valencia have been looking at other alternatives to cover for the injured Garay, although they are restricted by LaLiga's Fair Play regulations. If they are unsuccessful with Javi Sánchez they might have to extend their search to the Second Division...