Real Madrid plot £80m bid for Manchester City defender Ruben Dias
Real Madrid are preparing a surprise £80m bid for Manchester City defender Ruben Dias as newly returned manager Jose Mourinho targets the Portuguese international.
Mourinho has identified the commanding centre-back as a primary summer target for his second stint at the Bernabeu.
Club president Florentino Perez is ready to back his manager with an initial offer for the highly rated defensive stalwart.
However, the reigning English champions are determined to resist any approach from the Spanish capital.
Maresca desperate to retain defensive star
Incoming City boss Enzo Maresca views the talented sweeper as a foundational piece for his tactical rebuild at the Etihad Stadium.
The recent departure of John Stones has significantly elevated the importance of keeping an experienced leader in the backline.
The former Benfica prospect arrived in England for £60m in 2020 and has since accumulated 11 major trophies, including a historic Treble.
Despite being contracted until 2028, the exit of legendary coach Pep Guardiola has created widespread uncertainty regarding several senior players.
World Cup focus and double deal doubts
The dominant centre-half is currently representing his nation at the World Cup and prefers to maintain his focus entirely on international duties.
Yet the prospect of forming a formidable partnership with Antonio Rudiger under a compatriot manager presents a tempting new challenge.
Los Blancos are concurrently monitoring the situation of City midfielder Rodri, although executing a double swoop is considered almost impossible.
However, the Madrid giants have already secured one major arrival from the blue half of Manchester.
Playmaker Bernardo Silva is set to join the Spanish club as a free agent when his international tournament concludes, ending a glittering era in the Premier League.
