Manchester City reject Real Madrid, Chelsea enquiries for 29-year-old key defender – report

Manchester City reject Real Madrid, Chelsea enquiries for 29-year-old key defender – report It is no secret that Real Madrid are in the market for another centre-back despite having already roped in Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer. Incoming manager Jose Mourinho has identified the centre-back department as the one that needs the most reinforcing and is intent on adding another player before the transfer window closes. Names like Nico Schlotterbeck and Josko Gvardiol have all been mentioned, but another player that Real Madrid have on their radar happens to be Manchester City ace Ruben Dias. Indeed, the 29-year-old Portuguese international is highly admired at Valdebebas and is seen as an option to strengthen the defence. Real Madrid admire Ruben Dias. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images) Manchester City reject Real Madrid enquiry However, according to reports in England, as relayed by ESPN , Manchester City have turned down enquiries from Real Madrid as well as some other top European clubs for Dias this summer. Indeed, the report states that along with Los Blancos , their arch-rivals FC Barcelona also like the 29-year-old centre-back, while Premier League giants Chelsea are also interested. All three clubs are understood to have approached the Cityzens to understand the conditions of a potential transfer this summer. However, all the interested parties have been met with the same response from Manchester City – Dias is not for sale this summer. Not for sale. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images) Signed from Benfica in 2020, Dias has grown into one of the key pillars at the Etihad Stadium and has a contract until 2029. So, it does not come as a surprise to see Manchester City turn down any approaches for him. Real Madrid move attention to Alessandro Bastoni Given that the approach for Dias led to nothing, Real Madrid are now understood to have turned their full focus on signing Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan. The 27-year-old Italian international is seen as the ideal candidate to bolster the backline by Mourinho and the club, therefore, are primed to make a move for him. Signing Bastoni from the Serie A champions is expected to cost around €60 million , but before making any more new additions, Real Madrid must complete some departures to create room.