AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez is apparently pining for a return to Real Madrid this summer, despite reported interest from the Premier League.
It has been claimed that Manchester City and Real Madrid are preparing to go head-to-head for the signature of the Frenchman, who may have burned some bridges with the Milan faithful recently.
Hernandez played a major role in the Rossoneri's recent elimination from the Champions League playoffs against Feyenoord, being sent off in the second leg for two bookable offences, the second of which was for simulation inside the area.
Sergio Conceicao's side were 1-0 up in the night and drawing 1-1 on aggregate at the time of Hernandez's dismissal in the 51st minute, after which Feyenoord equalised at San Siro to seal their place in the last 16 with a 2-1 aggregate triumph.
That indiscretion alone should not compel Milan to part ways with the former Real Madrid man, but his contract only runs until the end of next season, and talk of an extension appears to have stalled in recent weeks.
Hernandez prepared to 'make an effort' for Madrid return
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In spite of his nonsensical moment in the Champions League, Hernandez is still one of the most coveted left-backs in Europe, and Milan will be braced for bids this summer if he does not renew his contract.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Hernandez appears willing to do 'everything possible' to return for a second stint at Real Madrid, whom he first represented from 2017 to 2019, making 23 first-team appearances.
The France international is allegedly having second thoughts about staying in Italy due to recent criticism from fans and the media, and his camp have let it be known that he will 'make an effort' to return to the Bernabeu this summer.
Hernandez's hopes of going back to the Spanish capital have been boosted by Alphonso Davies's decision to sign a new contract at Bayern Munich, as Real were ostensibly banking on signing the Canadian on a free transfer this summer before his U-turn.
However, the report adds that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is currently not considering a reunion with Hernandez, although his stance might change in the months ahead if it becomes clear that a deal is there to be done.
Hernandez has registered 33 goals and 44 assists in 247 appearances for Milan, who paid Real Madrid €22.8m (£18.9m) to bring him to San Siro six years ago.
Can Man City target any other defenders?
© Imago
If Hernandez's will wins out this summer, Man City will have to scope out alternative targets in the full-back areas, which should be deprived of Milan loanee Kyle Walker when he completes an expected permanent exit from the Etihad.
Staying in Serie A, the Premier League champions' interest in Juventus' Andrea Cambiaso was recently confirmed by the Italy international's agent, but a hefty fee of €80m (£66.3m) might be needed to convince the Bianconeri to negotiate.
Nottingham Forest's Ola Aina is out of contract in the summer as things stand, but Garibaldi boss Nuno Espirito Santo recently delivered a positive update on how talks are progressing with the Nigerian.
Pep Guardiola could instead look for internal solutions - Abdukodir Khusanov has recently dabbled in right-back duties - but with the possibility of seven major sales this summer, a new full-back will certainly be on the agenda.
Ben Knapton
