Real Madrid are close to finalising the signing of Alvaro Carreras, the 22-year-old left-back currently playing for SL Benfica.An agreement between the two clubs has been reached for the transfer,

But listen to the way Xabi Alonso spoke about Alex Grimaldo throughout Bayer Leverkusen’s invincible title-winning season — when he provided 10 goals and 13 assists in the Bundesliga from his high-flying wing-back role — and it would be fair to assume that the Spaniard was top of the class.

It was only yesterday that Real Madrid lost to PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final, but 24 hours later, they look close to making their fourth signing of

Real Madrid are about to make Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras their fourth signing of the summer transfer window, and he is expected to become the club’s new starter in the position. If he does