Real Madrid Transfer News: Clement Lenglet Wanted in Latest Rumours

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Sevilla defender Clement Lenglet and could pay his €30 million release clause.

Manager Zinedine Zidane wants to strengthen his defence and has been impressed by the Frenchman, particularly during his performance in the UEFA Champions League last-16 win over Manchester United, per Lluis Miguelsanz at Sport.

Lenglet was part of the Sevilla side that booked their place in the quarter-finals of the competition with a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Spanish football journalist David Cartlidge said it was the 22-year-old's best performance for Sevilla:

Scouted Football explained why he was so impressive:

Lenglet has established himself as a key part of the Sevilla defence and also has an eye for goal. He has four for the season in all competitions for Vincenzo Montella's team.

The former France under-21 international also has eight yellow cards in La Liga and can be somewhat rash, according to football writer Simon Harrison:

Real Madrid have suffered defensively this season with first-choice centre-backs Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos having endured spells out of the team with injury. Los Blancos also have Jesus Vallejo and Nacho Fernandez as backup options, but Lenglet would be an upgrade on both players.

Nacho has also been linked with a summer exit from the Santiago Bernabeu, with Serie A side AS Roma reportedly interested, per Corriere dello Sport (h/t Football Italia).

Real Madrid's defence has been their weakness this season, with Zidane's side having conceded 30 goals in 28 La Liga games. In contrast, leaders Barcelona have conceded just 13, while Atletico Madrid in second place have the best defensive record with just 12 goals against.

Zidane said in December 2017 he was not too worried by his team's defence, as noted by Goal:

Real Madrid look set to relinquish their La Liga crown to rivals Barcelona, which might prompt a summer of big spending. Lenglet looks to be available at a decent price, yet the presence of Varane and Ramos means he would face a battle to get into the first team.