Real Madrid 'interested in Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi'

Real Madrid have expressed an interest in Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi, according to the player and his father.

The German, 23, has eight caps for his country, and played 36 games last season as Valencia finished fourth in La Liga.

Mustafi made one appearance for Everton between 2009 and 2011, before moving to Sampdoria.

The 23-year-old told German broadcasters Sport1: "At the moment I'm on holiday, but who wouldn't be happy that Madrid express an interest for you? This is a result of hard work."

His father, Kujtim Mustafi, revealed Real had been interested in the German for some time.

"It's true, there has been contact via telephone regarding this matter," he also told Sport1.

"Some of these calls took place last season. Madrid is a great club and I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't be proud of my son signing for this club."

Mustafi's agent, Ali Bulut, meanwhile, revealed Barcelona had also enquired about a player that Valencia only signed for €8million from Sampdoria last summer.

"There have been direct enquiries from Real Madrid. But no further conversations nor negotiations," Bulat told Bild.

"Barcelona have also been in touch with us with a view to incorporating Musfati in the winter transfer window"

"(But) Mustafi has a good contract at Valencia, a great club, and for him to leave Mestalla, everything would need to be perfect."