Real Madrid have three players on centre-back shortlist

Real Madrid have already made three signings to strengthen their backline this summer, but a fourth is expected to fulfil Jose Mourinho’s requests. The returning Real Madrid manager is keen to have a second centre-back come into the club this summer despite the arrival of Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool on a free transfer.

Konate will be joined by Denzel Dumfries from Inter and Marc Cucurella from Chelsea, the latest to be confirmed, but Mourinho wants another centre-back through the door. Initially, Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal and Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol were cited as targets, but the latter is expected to remain at the Etihad and Calafiori has not advanced so far.

Three centre-backs on Real Madrid shortlist

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That is according to The Athletic, who say that there has been no progress with the signing of Calafiori. They do go on to mention that there are three other players on Real Madrid’s shortlist for a summer move, including Gvardiol’s long-time defensive partner, Ruben Dias. Inter star Alessandro Bastoni, who was previously pursued by Barcelona, is also on that list, as is Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck. The latter is thought to have a €60m release clause for Los Blancos, while Inter have been keen to say that the Italy international will remain at the club. Schlotterbeck recently declared that he was fully focused on the World Cup, but that he was aware of their interest.

Which would be the best fit for Real Madrid?

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Mourinho appears to have placed premium on strong characters and leaders in his recruitment so far, and thus Dias stands out as the most experienced of the trio, and the player with perhaps the biggest personality. Bastoni would be the most similar to Gvardiol and Calafiori, in that he can push out to the left side, and is impressive on the ball. Schlotterbeck, given his age and price point, might be the most sensible option, depending on how highly Mourinho rates the other two.