Real Madrid Story broken by Cadena COPE

MARCA can confirm that Roma have submitted an eight-million-euro bid for versatile Real Madrid defender Nacho.

The 'Los Blancos' academy graduate has been being monitored by a number of European heavyweights for some time, although the Bernabéu higher-ups have never been minded to sell him. Now, however, they have a decision to make after the 'Giallorossi', who recently sacked coach Rudi García and replaced him with former manager Luciano Spalletti, stepped up their interest.

The news of the offer was broken by radio station Cadena COPE and has since been corroborated by our sources. Nacho is said to be giving serious thought to the idea of leaving because of his lack of opportunities under Zinedine Zidane. The Spain international had more of a look-in under Rafa Benítez, but was left out of the matchday squad altogether by the Frenchman for the Sporting Gijón clash.

Nacho is just one of a handful of players at the Bernabéu to have attracted interest from suitors in the January transfer window. That said, the looming FIFA ban could well put paid to any departures.