Real Madrid have identified Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano and Marc Geuhi as their priority targets to bolster the defence next summer on a free transfer (h/t Marca).
Los Merengues are looking for defensive reinforcements as Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are in the final year of their contracts at Santiago Bernabeu.
Neither is in Madrid’s long-term plans, which indicates they could be on their way next summer.
With Dean Huijsen becoming an instant hit after his transfer from Bournemouth in the summer, the La Liga giants want to repeat a similar strategy of landing a world-class centre-back to fortify their backline.
They are looking at the free agent market, something they have exploited to a great degree of success in recent years, with the acquisitions of Rudiger, Alaba, Kylian Mbappe and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Konate’s contract with Liverpool expires next summer, and negotiations over a new deal have been continuing without any breakthrough.
The 26-year-old has established himself as a defensive colossus at Anfield alongside Virgil van Dijk, playing a pivotal role in the Premier League victory last season.
The Frenchman is enticed by the prospect of joining Madrid, however, the Reds are keen on tying him to a new deal.
His compatriot Upamecano has also caught Madrid’s attention due to his contract situation at Bayern Munich.
The Bavarians have been in talks to renew Upamecano’s deal, which expires at the end of the season, however both parties are at variance over the financial terms.
The French international is demanding a huge signing bonus for the new deal, while Bayern want to avoid being leveraged.
Madrid are not alone in the transfer race, as Liverpool, Manchester United and PSG are also monitoring Upamecano.
Guehi is another sought-after defender in Europe as his contract at Crystal Palace ends next summer.
The 25-year-old is among the most consistent and top-tier centre-backs in the Premier League. He has been an integral part of the Eagles’ resurgence under Oliver Glasner, winning the FA Cup this year.
Palace blocked his supposed transfer to Liverpool at the last moment in the summer transfer window, but he has no intentions to stay at Selhurst Park beyond this season.
Madrid have the opportunity to open talks with the English international in January, but Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool will provide tough competition for his signing.
Read the full article here
