Real Madrid eye free transfer for Tottenham flop released under Nuno Espirito Santo

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has made a strong start to life back in the Spanish capital following his move from Everton, but he is missing a player in defence

Real Madrid are interested in signing former Tottenham flop Serge Aurier, according to reports in Spain.

Aurier is available as a free agent after his Spurs contract was cancelled by mutual consent on transfer deadline day, with Nuno Espirito Santo unwilling to keep him on the books.

The Ivory Coast international was released a year early after Tottenham could find no suitable buyers on the transfer market for him.

According to Sky Sports, Aurier had interest from Watford, Real Betis, Spartak Moscow and Genoa but felt he should be playing at a higher level.

That desire could become a reality, with Spanish talk show El Chiringuito reporting that Carlo Ancelotti is considering signing the 28-year-old.

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Real Madrid are currently short of options at right-back after first-choice player Dani Carvajal picked up an injury against Valencia earlier in September.

Centre-back Nacho and midfielder Fede Valverde have filled in for a 6-1 win over Mallorca and a 0-0 draw against Villarreal, but Ancelotti wants a specialist.

Alvaro Odriozola has been loaned out to Fiorentina and forward Lucas Vazquez, who played at right-back at times last season, has not convinced in defence.

Ancelotti is reportedly keen on Aurier because he is available, would not command a transfer fee and has plenty of experience under his belt.

Aurier made 110 appearances and scored eight goals over four seasons at Spurs and has previously turned out for Lens, Toulouse and Paris Saint-Germain in France.

The defender, who has won 70 caps for the Ivory Coast, was briefly linked with a move to Real’s bitter rivals Barcelona in the summer as part of the deal for Emerson Royal.

However, in the end Tottenham signed the Brazilian for a straight transfer fee of £25m without including aurier in the deal.

Aurier eventually joined Moussa Sissoko, Danny Rose, Erik Lamela and Toby Alderweireld in leaving the club.

"I have really enjoyed my time at Spurs and would like to thank the club and the fans,” he said in a statement.

"But I feel now is the right time for me to move onto a new challenge."

Joining Ancelotti’s project in Madrid would certainly represent a new challenge, given Los Blancos are currently top of La Liga and are among the favourites for the Champions League this season.

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