Real Madrid are closing in on a deal to sign Lyon defender Ferland Mendy this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Los Blancos endured a disappointing 2018-19 campaign, finishing third in La Liga – 19 points behind winners Barcelona and eight points behind Atletico Madrid in second.

Left-back was among the positions in need of vast improvement, and Mendy has emerged as the man who could help fix Real Madrid’s defensive issues ahead of next season.

The 23-year-old has made 77 appearances for Lyon since his 2017 switch from Le Harve and was recently called up to Didier Deschamps’ France squad.

Mendy will be 24 in June and, with Marcelo turning 31 earlier this month, is the ideal candidate to fill the Brazilian’s boots for years to come at the Bernabeu.

And according to the Spanish publication, there is agreement between Madrid and the player, who is expected to cost around €50m.

If Real Madrid are unable to sign Mendy, there are other alternatives in Junior Firpo.

The Real Betis star produced a solid campaign – scoring and assisting in the 4-3 win over Barcelona back in November – and would be a cheaper option than Mendy.