Jose Mourinho personally targets Manchester City star for Real Madrid transfer | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s newly-appointed manager Jose Mourinho is plotting a move for Manchester City’s Ruben Dias after sealing a deal for Bernardo Silva, as per a new report.

Dias has been the subject of strong transfer speculation since Pep Guardiola‘s departure, with reports in late May suggesting he had instructed his agent to explore the possibility of leaving the Etihad Stadium as City moved into a new era under incoming manager Enzo Maresca.

Despite that speculation, City have since made clear they want to retain Dias, who signed a new deal till 2029 last summer and is expected to be a cornerstone of Maresca’s backline at the Etihad Stadium.

According to ESPN Brasil, Real Madrid are weighing up an approach for Dias this summer at the personal request of new manager Jose Mourinho, who has identified the centre-back as a player capable of solving the club’s defensive issues.

Real Madrid’s defensive options have been a recurring concern in recent months, with Eder Militao‘s injury history, Antonio Rudiger‘s advancing years, David Alaba‘s expected departure and the inconsistency shown by Raul Asencio and Dean Huijsen last seasom all cited as factors behind the Bernabeu’s search for reinforcements.

Just as City have entered a new era following Guardiola’s exit, Real Madrid’s own managerial change this summer means Mourinho is shaping a squad in his image, with a fellow countryman in Dias understood to fit the profile of experienced leadership the Portuguese boss wants at the back.

What does this mean for Dias’s Manchester City future?

City’s stance as things stand is that Dias remains a key part of Maresca’s defensive plans alongside Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov, particularly with John Stones having already departed and Nathan Ake’s expected summer departure

However, Dias’s own willingness to consider his options – first reported when his agent was instructed to canvass interest – means City’s resolve to keep him could yet be tested if Real Madrid’s interest develops into a formal approach.

Whether Mourinho’s personal involvement is enough to turn admiration into action before City’s squad reports for pre-season remains to be seen, but Dias’s situation looks set to be one of the more significant defensive subplots of City’s summer.

City will not stand in Dias’ way if he expresses a strong desire for a move but the Blues will demand market value for a player who has three years remaining on his current contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.