Real Madrid 'want Rayo Vallecano's Fran Garcia as Marcelo replacement'

Real Madrid have reportedly identified Rayo Vallecano left-back Fran Garcia as an ideal replacement for Marcelo.

The 33-year-old Brazilian now has less than six months left to run on his deal with Los Blancos and is seemingly set to end his 15-year stint with the capital club this summer.

Marcelo has struggled for regular game this season anyway, with Ferland Mendy establishing himself as Real Madrid's first-choice left-back under Carlo Ancelotti.

Ahead of Marcelo's imminent departure, AS claims that Real Madrid intend to re-sign Garcia, who came through the club's academy before joining Rayo Vallecano permanently last summer.

The report adds that Real Madrid still own 50% of the defender's rights, so the La Liga champions would only need to pay €5m (£4.2m) to secure his services due to his €10m (£8.4m) release clause.

Garcia has one goal from 22 La Liga starts in a Rayo Vallecano shirt this season and made one senior appearance for Real Madrid during his first spell at the club - claiming an assist against UD Melilla in a 6-1 Copa del Rey victory in December 2018.