Borussia Dortmund have reportedly identified Real Madrid defender Fran Garcia as a target.

The 24-year-old returned to Los Blancos over the summer following a three-year spell at Rayo Vallecano, two of which were on a permanent basis.

Garcia's struggles for action at Bernabeu led to him spending the 2020-21 campaign on loan with Rayo in the Segunda Division, featuring on 43 occasions in all competitions.

The Spaniard then represented Los Franjirrojos during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 La Liga campaigns, before Real Madrid activated a buy-back clause to re-sign him over the summer.

Garcia has made 15 appearances for Carlo Ancelotti's side during the 2023-24 campaign, contributing four assists, but he has found it difficult to hold down a regular starting spot.

The defender's last start in La Liga proved to be the goalless draw with Rayo at the start of November, and he has been an unused substitute in his side's last two league matches.

However, Garcia did play the full 90 minutes of Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Union Berlin in the Champions League earlier this week.

Ferland Mendy is expected to return at left-back against Villarreal on Sunday, while Ancelotti has also used Eduardo Camavinga, who is currently injured, in that area of the field.

According to journalist Patrick Berger, Dortmund are currently keeping a close eye on Garcia's situation at Bernabeu, with the club potentially making an offer in January.

Ramy Bensebaini is set to represent Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations in January, which would leave Dortmund short of left-back options at a key stage of the season.

BVB are thought to be considering making a loan approach for Garcia, but Real Madrid will not want to leave themselves short at left-back considering Mendy's injury problems.

Dortmund are also believed to be keeping a close eye on Sergio Reguilon's situation at Manchester United, with the defender potentially heading back to parent club Tottenham Hotspur in January.

Real Madrid are thought to be reluctant to let Garcia depart in the middle of the campaign, meaning that a January deal could prove to be incredibly difficult.

Garcia made his Spain debut in October, and the defender is bidding to secure a spot in the La Roja squad for next summer's European Championship. body check tags ::