Real Madrid fullback Ferland Mendy was close to joining Barcelona ahead of leaving Lyon, it has been revealed.

Agent Yvan Le Mee revealed Real coach Zinedine Zidane was key to Mendy's choice after he made the move to Madrid last summer.

"This summer, FC Barcelona, Juventus and Inter wanted him," said Le Mee.

"Zidane wanted him absolutely at Real Madrid and with Ferland, the defence is much stronger."

Indeed, Mendy is now Zizou's first-choice left-back at Real ahead of Marcelo.