Marcos Llorente in limbo as Real look to maintain squad depth
Despite receiving offers from Roma and a Premier League side, Madrid don't want to weaken their midfield, particularly after Kovacic's loan move to Chelsea.
The present and future of Marcos Llorente comes under the spotlight once more. The Spanish midfielder, out of favour with Zidane and now it seems with Lopetegui, is keen to look at his options before 31 August in search of regular game-time. Potential suitors were Roma, who pushed hard to hire the player's services before the transfer window closed in Serie A, and a 'top-six' Premier League side. Any offers, however, failed to materialise.
Squad depth
The main problem for Llorente is that Madrid are keen to maintain squad depth, particularly in midfield, but are not fully convinced by the performances and development of the homegrown midfielder. Moreover, the departure of Kovacic on a loan move to Chelsea - requested by the player - has further complicated things for the Spanish midfielder. Lopetegui is yet to show any faith in him, demonstrated in his being left out for Los Blancos' opening game against Getafe.
Reinforcements
The fact that offers from Italy and England were turned down poses more problems for other LaLiga clubs interested in taking him off Madrid's hands - Villarreal, Alavés and Espanyol have all shown an interest. Everything depends on whether Madrid act to bring in reinforcements before the transfer window closes, and, as things stand,
