Marseille targets loan deal for Real Madrid outcast Raul Asencio

French club Marseille is showing strong interest in 23-year-old Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio. The player has fallen out of favor with head coach Jose Mourinho, prompting the club to explore exit options this summer.

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Marseille is looking to secure the defender on a season-long loan. The agreement would potentially include a permanent transfer clause valued at 15 million euros, contingent on the player meeting specific performance and playing time targets.

Real Madrid is keen to maintain a financial stake in the player, who is under contract until 2031, by retaining 25% of any future sale. While Asencio was initially reluctant to leave the Spanish capital, the lack of opportunities under Mourinho may lead him to accept the move for more regular playing time.

Negotiations with other clubs have proven difficult. Portuguese side Benfica recently ended talks after Real Madrid insisted on including a buy-back clause, a condition the Lisbon club was unwilling to accept.