Argentina manager Jorge Sampaoli has revealed that Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi is being tracked by Real Madrid.
Asked about the 24 year old’s prospects of being named in the final 23 man squad for this year’s World Cup in Russia, the former Sevilla boss said:
“I spoke with Icardi and I told him what I told everyone: that if you keep focused, if he is going well, he will be called up. Icardi is being watched and almost tempted by Real Madrid.”
The Argentinian international has been heavily linked with a move to the Bernabeu, but Chelsea have also been associated with a bid for the player. Argentine TV station TyC Sports reported earlier this month that the Blues were prepared to pay the striker’s €110m (£96.7m) buyout clause.
There has been no further developments since then but Sampaoli’s comments do suggest that Icardi will be a target for Real.
AS believe that the striker is on the Spanish club’s agenda, but that no decision on a bid will be made until next summer when a major squad overhaul will be underway. The Madrid based publication suggest Karim Benzema could be sold with Icardi signed as his replacement.
