AC Milan, in financial crisis, offer Suso to Real Madrid
Lopetegui asked about the player's situation before Milan ran into FFP issues and hope to get a cut-price deal
Real Madrid are adding names to their list of potential signings ahead of the 2018/19 season. One of the most recent names on that list is Jesus Joaquin Fernandez Saez, or Suso as he's more commonly known. The 24-year-old Spaniard is currently at Milan but following the Italian club's two-year ban from playing in European competitions, the door might be open for Suso to leave.
Real Madrid met with his agent, Alessando Lucci, where they asked about Suso's situation at Milan. This meeting took place before UEFA's ban was handed down to the Serie A side because Julen Lopetegui remembers working with him while coaching Spain's youth teams. He played under Lopetegui in three different age catergories and was called up twice for the senior side.
Real Madrid tried to sign him when he was 16
Suso was actually a target for Real Madrid when he first broke out as a potential star at the age of just 16. However Liverpool stole a march on them and signed him. The fact he has since turned down Real Madrid twice, something he confessed during his time at Milan, might work against him when it comes to Florentino Perez's opinion on the player.
Lopetegui likes Suso because he sees him as someone with a similar profile to that of Lucas Vazquez and would cost around €40m. The asking price is something Madrid intend to negotiate down. There is competition from Milan's city rivals, Inter, who also want the player as they prepare for Champions League football next season.
Milan can't confirm they will keep the player at the club for the upcoming campaign. The club was banned by TAD after Chinese businessman Li Yonghong bought the club after taking out a loan which he since hasn't paid back. They are now looking for someone else to buy the club from the Chinese owner so they will be able to retain the services of their best players such as Suso.
