World Cup: Real Madrid, Manchester United and others set sights on Morocco 'hero' goalkeeper 'Bono'

Leading European clubs have set their sights on Morocco's "hero" goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, better known as Bono, following his stellar performances during the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Spanish giants Real Madrid and top English Premier League team Manchester United are rumoured to be interested in snatching the 31-year-old from Spanish side Sevilla FC during the sport’s upcoming transfer window, according to the Spanish DefensaCentral website, which focuses on news covering the current La Liga champions.

The Atlas Lions' goalkeeper has been one of the stars of the World Cup in Qatar and a series of stunning displays have contributed to Morocco making a historic journey to the tournament's semi-final - a first for an Arab and African team.

Manchester United Manager Erik ten Haag is reportedly interested in signing the goalkeeper, as he grows increasingly dissatisfied with David de Gea's performances, according to the football website The Hard Tackle.

Meanwhile, the website believes that Bono could be a viable target for Real Madrid with the expected departure of second-choice goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.

Experts believe that Sevilla will not sell Bounou for less than €30 million (£26 million) and that he would not want to play second fiddle to Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid's first-choice keeper.

English sides Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also interested in the Morocco star, transfer news outlet Fichajes reported.

Bono has kept a record of three clean sheets throughout the tournament- the most for an African goalkeeper at a World Cup - having only conceded one goal in the competition so far.

The Sevilla FC goalkeeper has been lauded as a 'hero' by the North African kingdom's fans for blocking nearly all of Spain’s penalties during a shoot-out that saw Morocco advance from the Last 16 round.

Qatar 2022 World Cup - Moroccan fans have their say

Following the game, he was named Man of the Match.

Bono also received the same accolade after producing another excellent performance against Portugal on Saturday seeing the Atlas Lions advance to the semi-finals.

The 6'4 goalkeeper was also crowned La Liga’s best goalkeeper last summer, as he was rewarded with the Ricardo Zamora trophy- a prize handed to the La Liga keeper with the lowest goals-to-games ratio, having played a minimum of 60 minutes in at least 28 matches.

The Atlas Lions are set to play France on Wednesday, with both countries vying to make it to the coveted World Cup final.