Real Madrid Defender had a great season at Rayo Vallecano

The future looks bright for Diego Llorente following an impressive loan spell at relegated Rayo Vallecano, the Real Madrid defender impressing Zinedine Zidane, as well as both Villarreal and Malaga.

Collectively, it was a poor season at the Estadio Vallecas, with the club sent down to the Segunda division following an 18th placed finish this term, but the 22-year-old excelled.

Having earned his first full international cap for Spain this year, it now appears that Real are keen to integrate him into the first team.

He is however also attracting interest from elsewhere in La Liga.

Los Blancos could benefit from his versatility, with Rayo boss Paco Jemez often deploying him in midfield.

With Pepe's contract expiring in 2018, opportunities could arrive at his feet in the coming years.

Despite having a reputation for buying success under president Florentino Perez, Real have given youngsters more starts in recent years, and Llorente will likely follow in the footsteps of Jese Rodriguez and Lucas Vazquez.