Real Madrid are reportedly keen to tie Spanish playmaker Brahim Diaz down to a new long-term contract.
The 23-year-old has been plying his trade on loan at AC Milan for the past two-and-a-half years, featuring regularly during the Rossoneri's run to the Serie A title last season.
Diaz has remained a consistent fixture of Stefano Pioli's first XI during the 2022-23 campaign, recording five goals and two assists from 26 appearances in all tournaments this term.
The one-cap Spain international has started 15 top-flight games for Milan in the current season, and he scored the winning goal in their 1-0 Champions League last-16 first leg success over Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday.
Diaz is due to return to Madrid at the end of the season as things stand, although Milan do possess the option to make his stay at San Siro permanent, which also includes a buyback clause for Real.
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The playmaker is tied to the Spanish and European champions until 2025, but according to Relevo, Carlo Ancelotti's side are keen to tie him down to fresh terms.
The report states that Carlo Ancelotti plans to integrate Diaz into the first-team squad for the 2023-24 campaign, and the club are determined to secure his services until 2027.
However, Milan are still vying to strike a permanent deal for the former Manchester City youngster, who wants to be assured of regular game time to extend his stay with Real Madrid.
Real Madrid are said to hold a "very serious" commitment towards Diaz, but he wants to be recognised as an important player for Ancelotti, both contractually and regarding his playing situation.
Diaz can expect a sizeable salary increase with his new contract, and he is believed to be in favour a return to Real Madrid in his bid to make a name for himself at the Bernabeu.
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However, should Diaz fail to strike an agreement with Los Blancos, he is understood to be "very happy" and feel "valued" in Milan, who will not give up hope of signing him permanently.
Diaz spent time in the youth system at Malaga before joining Manchester City in 2014, and he made 15 senior appearances for the Premier League champions during a five-year spell.
The Spaniard joined Real Madrid for a €17m (£15.1m) fee in January 2019, but he has only made 21 appearances for the club so far, scoring two goals and setting up three more.
Diaz is currently in his second loan spell with Milan, having also spent the 2020-21 season at San Siro before briefly returning to the Spanish capital, and he has 16 goals and 10 assists to show from 105 outings for the Rossoneri.
Ben Knapton
