Liverpool 'join Real Madrid & Barcelona' in race for former Man Utd defender

Liverpool are the latest side to be credited with an interest in Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras.

Manchester United sold Carreras, better known as Alvaro Fernandez during his time in England, to Benfica for just £5m this past summer after a successful loan spell, and the 21-year-old has caught the eye this season.

O Jogo were the first to report on interest in Carreras, naming Real Madrid and Barcelona as interested parties, while both Atletico Madrid and Juventus are believed to have tracked the left-back's progress.

Following that report, AS stress that it is actually Liverpool who are leading the race for Carreras' signature. United's fierce rivals have reportedly taken the first step to make the Spain Under-21 international the heir to Andy Robertson's position in the team.

Crucially, it is claimed that United have a buy-back clause for Carreras - something the Red Devils pushed for as part of the agreement to sell the youngster for a cut-price fee.

United are even said to be considering triggering the clause and bringing Carreras back to Old Trafford permanently amid concerns over the long-term fitness of both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

The exact value of United's alleged buy-back clause is unclear but would undoubtedly be far lower than Benfica would typically demand for a 21-year-old who is contracted to the club until 2029.