Mourinho identifies 29-year-old Man City star as his ideal defensive signing for Real Madrid

Mourinho identifies 29-year-old Man City star as his ideal defensive signing for Real Madrid Real Madrid’s summer rebuild has already delivered several high-profile additions, but Jose Mourinho is not finished shaping his squad. After strengthening the defence with the arrivals of Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries, while also adding Bernardo Silva to bolster the attacking department, attention has now shifted towards the next phase of the club’s transfer strategy. On the note, the centre-back position is remains high on Mourinho’s priority list and according to reports in Spain, there is one name that stands above all others. According to AS , Manchester City defender Ruben Dias has emerged as Mourinho’s preferred centre-back target as Real Madrid continue planning for the future at the Santiago Bernabéu. Ruben Dias is Mourinho’s top defensive target Real Madrid’s interest in Dias is not entirely new, as the club had already explored the possibility of signing the Portuguese international before eventually securing Konate, with discussions suggesting there was at least some belief that a deal could be possible. Ruben Dias is Mourinho’s favourite. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images) However, the situation has changed significantly. Despite Mourinho’s admiration for the defender, Manchester City are unwilling to entertain any offers for one of the pillars of their squad.  It is said that the Premier League side views Dias as an untouchable figure in their defensive structure, making negotiations incredibly difficult. However, that has not stopped Real Madrid from monitoring developments, but the club is fully aware that convincing Manchester City will be the biggest hurdle. Real Madrid hold an advantage If there is one element that could encourage Real Madrid, it lies in the relationships surrounding the player. Dias is represented by Jorge Mendes, one of football’s most influential agents and a figure who has maintained a close relationship with Mourinho and Real Madrid. Man City will not sell Ruben Dias. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images) That connection could potentially help Real Madrid establish a pathway towards the player if circumstances were ever to change. Moreover, sources suggest that convincing Dias himself would not necessarily be the most difficult part of the operation.  The prestige of Real Madrid, the opportunity to play at the Santiago Bernabéu and the prospect of working under Mourinho could all prove attractive factors. The real obstacle remains Manchester City, who currently have no interest in weakening their squad by losing one of Europe’s elite defenders.