Real Madrid are reportedly looking into the free transfer signing of Jonathan Tah, who is a major target of their fierce rivals Barcelona at the moment.
Real went through the summer window without recruiting at centre-back. That was despite two central defenders, including Nacho Fernandez, leaving the club.
They were linked with many, but Carlo Ancelotti suggested none were needed.
Now, though, Fichajes reports that they have made the decision to strengthen the defensive line, in part due to the injury of right-back Dani Carvajal, who will miss a lengthy period.
Top of their list seems to be Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Tah, who will be available for free in the summer.
Leverkusen have attempted to tie him down, but the German international is not interested in remaining there.
If Real do manage to land Tah, they’ll have annoyed rivals Barcelona in doing so. The La Liga pair are generally similar in terms of their successes, and frequently have the same players on their radar.
Tah is the latest, with reports suggesting Barca see him as one of their top targets to improve the side.
Their financial issues mean that the free transfer would be a huge coup, with little money to spend, but Real are the masters of bringing players in for no fee, and could win the fight.
Also after Tah are Liverpool, as confirmed by TEAMtalk, but with Real entering the scene, their pursuit will be far from plain sailing.
The biggest move Real are plotting is that of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool right-back is on their radar, and could be another free agent signing, given his contract at Anfield is up in the summer.
But reports state the Spanish giants could push to instead sign him in January, given Carvajal’s injury.
Meanwhile, Graeme Souness feels that at some point, Real could cough up £150million for Chelsea superstar Cole Palmer.