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.
Neither player 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 this summer, the La Liga giants want to repeat a similar strategy of signing a world-class centre-back to fortify their backline.
They are looking at the free agent market, something they have successfully exploited in recent years with the acquisitions of Rudiger, Alaba and Kylian Mbappe.
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 prospect of joining Madrid entices the Frenchman, but 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, but they cannot agree terms.
The French international is demanding a huge signing bonus for the new deal, while Bayern want to avoid overpaying.
Madrid are not alone in the transfer race, as Liverpool, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain 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 manager Oliver Glasner.
Palace blocked his transfer to Liverpool at the last moment in the summer transfer window, but he has no intention of staying 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.
