South African striker Lyle Foster could face competition from Mariano Diaz in the 2019/20 season with reports in Spain suggesting the Real Madrid misfit could return to Ligue 1.
After narrowly surviving relegation last season in a tumultuous season in the French top-flight, Leonardo Jardim's side are said to be on the lookout for a proven goalscorer to lead the line ahead of the new campaign.
With veteran forward Radamel Falcao reportedly set to join Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray, teenagers Pietro Pellegri and Foster will be the only centre-forwards available for selection to the Portuguese tactician.
Second-choice?
According to Spanish news outlet AS, the French side have opened talks wtih Mariano, who struggled for game time at Los Blancos last season after earning a dream return to the club via a scintilating season with Lyon - where he netted 21 goals in 45 games.
However, this comes after the move for primary target Andre Silva was called off despite having a €30m deal agreed with AC Milan last week. The Portugal international was due to join the club for the rest of the pre-season tour but during his medical, a problem with his knee was detected which has forced Les Monégasques in a new direction.
Mariano stance:
The player himself is said to be reluctant to leave Real for a second time despite head coach Zinedine Zidane reportedly informing the forward that he'd be third-choice behind Karim Benzema and Luka Jovic while wonderkids Rodrygo, Take Kubo and Vinicius provide further competition for a starting berth.