Real Madrid source reveals update transfer interest in Manchester City’s Ruben Dias | OneFootball

Manchester City simply do not want to sell Ruben Dias this summer, making a move to Real Madrid ‘highly unlikely’, according to a new update.

The protection over Dias comes amid heavy market speculation drifting across from the Spanish capital, where a first-team coaching overhaul has sparked interest in a number of central defensive profiles.

The return of José Mourinho to the Bernabéu dugout has triggered a hunt for elite central defenders, and coupled with a successful swoop for Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva on a free transfer, some speculated whether Ruben Dias may be tempted to follow.

Given the landscape at the World Cup in North America, where Dias is back to full fitness under Roberto Martínez after sitting out the start of the tournament, rumours of a Jorge Mendes-brokered switch have been placed in various sports pages.

Man City stand firm on Ruben Dias amid Madrid interest

Now, a source close to Real Madrid’s sporting planning has told The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana that the option of signing Ruben Dias is ‘highly unlikely’ as Manchester City do not want to sell the Portugal international centre-back.

Having tied the 29-year-old defensive star down to a long-term contract last Autumn that keeps him protected until the summer of 2029, Hugo Viana has no incentive to sit at the negotiating table.

What next for Real Madrid and City?

Real Madrid’s alternative options – including Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck – further underscore how the Spanish giants are pivoting toward more attainable targets.

For Manchester City, keeping a firm grip on Ruben Dias provides incoming manager Enzo Maresca with an indispensable foundation as the club continues a thorough assessment of its first-team options this summer.

Viana is managing several moving parts at once, including Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Savinho and assessing a move for Newcastle’s £100 million-rated midfielder Sandro Tonali – in addition to a record-breaking package for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.