Mariano Diaz 'to stay at Real Madrid this summer'

Real Madrid forward Mariano Diaz is reportedly expected to remain at the club this summer despite being linked with a move away.

Since returning to Los Blancos in 2018, Mariano has struggled for playing time, starting 11 La Liga games across the previous four seasons.

With the 29-year-old appearing to be low down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu, the expectation was that he would find a new club this summer.

However, according to Marca, Mariano is keen to remain at Real Madrid and see out the final year of his contract.

The striker - who was linked with a move to Valencia last summer - is not prepared to give up his €4.5m (£3.8m) salary, with no other club prepared to offer the same amount.

Although Mariano is not expected to change his stance, he is not in Carlo Ancelotti's plans for the new season.