Real Madrid are trying to sign Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras during the summer, and it almost makes complete sense to sign him the way it is being planned.
According to a report from AS, Real Madrid are trying to convince Manchester United to buy him back from Benfica through their 18 million buy-back clause, before signing him for 30-35 million euros.
It makes some sense, as Benfica would obviously get some sort of profit on him - as they only signed Carreras for six million euros at the start of the 2023-24 season.
Benfica have inserted a 50 million euro release clause in his contract, but that would become null and void if Manchester United sign him back.
Selling him to Manchester United would get them a good 12 million euro profit anyway, meanwhile, Manchester United could then get another 12- 17 million in the bag if they sell him on to Real Madrid for an agreed amount.
There is one small loophole with that, though.
Manchester United also want Alvaro Carreras, why would they sell him to Real Madrid?
Manchester United have been linked with many left-backs in the last few months, and Carreras is one name that has come up many times.
He is linked with a return to the Red Devils, and the club could make it happen for a very cheap amount as well. So why would they want to do Real Madrid this favour?
Obviously, they will get the money back in return, but they also need the player - probably just as much as Real Madrid do - and their playing style under Ruben Amorim suits Carreras perfectly.
The only deciding factor would be if Carreras actually wants to join Real Madrid instead of Manchester United, which could happen as it was reported on Thursday how delighted he would be to join the prestigious club in Spain.
Real Madrid would have to then make a deal with United and hope to convince them to let go of a player they absolutely need for a few more millions in the bank account.
It can happen - of course it can - but the loophole is there. And it will take a lot from Real Madrid to convince a club like United to let the player go.