Real Madrid star ‘at a crossroads’ over future amid Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers interest

Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly been handed a potential boost in their pursuit of Real Madrid defender Nacho.

The 23-times capped Spain international is said to be attracting the attention of his fellow countrymen as Villa manager Unai Emery and Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui are both keen to hand him a first chance to impress in the Premier League. The 33-year-old would bring a wealth of experience after spending the last 12 years as part of Real’s first-team setup and helping the Bernabeu club to a whole host of major trophies.

Since making his debut in a 6-3 win at Valencia in April 2011, Nacho has gone on to claim three La Liga titles, five Champions League Final wins, a Copa del Rey, three Supercopa de Espana wins, three UEFA Super Cup and five FIFA Club World Cup Finals.

However, the veteran defender is now entering the final months of his existing deal with the La Liga giants and has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks. Spanish outlet AS have now claimed Nacho has ‘growing interest’ from English clubs and interested parties are said to be ‘back on the attack’ as he prepares to become a free agent this summer.

Speaking to the same outlet last week, the defender assessed his future, saying: “I’ve said it many times after every game: I try to live in the present. As I said before, I’m living the best moment of my career. The season started very complicated. I spent a regular moment because I didn’t feel almost important. Now everything has changed. It’s as if the situation has turned around.

“The contract with Madrid is not going to change anything. Every summer I talk to the club. with the coach with my family and we made the decision. The fact of having a contract or not makes me live very calmly. Now I’m happy here at the club, of course.”