Ferland Mendy: The left-back Zidane wants at Real Madrid Real Madrid Has shone in France

Zinedine Zidane has made it clear to Real Madrid that he wants fellow Frenchman Ferland Mendy to arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer after the left-back has impressed at Lyon.

The left side of Madrid's defence has had a number of names linked to it, such as Real Betis' Junior Firpo, Alex Grimaldo of Benfica and David Alaba of Bayern Munich, but Mendy is the one Zidane wants.

Mendy, who has dual-nationality with Senegal, has played for France and his contract at Lyon is set to expire in 2023, meaning Madrid will have to spend to buy him.

He has played 39 times this season, in what is his second year at the club, and during the course of the campaign he has scored three goals and provided as many assists.

Mendy's qualities have drawn comparisons with, conveniently, Marcelo. At 1.78 metres tall, he's left-footed and creative from left-back, always keen to move forward and join in with the attack.

Barcelona monitored him

The Lyon No.22 has been injured since their first-leg meeting with Barcelona in this season's Champions League round of 16 at the Camp Nou, when he was replaced in the 77th minute.

Barcelona had previously been considering his arrival as a replacement for Lucas Digne and although Eric Abidal liked his game, they didn't move for Mendy.

Madrid aren't the only team interested, though, as both Sevilla and Napoli are keen on him, but Carlo Ancelotti is aware that it won't be easy to beat his former club to the player's signature.

It's thought that Lyon will expect between 35 and 40 million euros for the player.

A partner for Marcelo

Madrid have approved Zidane's request to allow Sergio Reguilon to leave on loan to gain experience, leaving a vacancy for another addition at left-back.

Reguilon has played 22 times this season, accumulating 1,796 minutes in 21 starts, and has been one of the team's few bright sparks, though he has struggled for game time since Zidane's return as head coach.

Marcelo needn't worry, though, as despite his poor season, Zidane has kept faith in the Brazilian and all signs suggest that he will be the first-choice next year.