Four defenders Real Madrid are targeting ahead of the summer window – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid are staring at a hugely important summer after going back-to-back seasons without a major trophy.

One of the biggest priorities for Los Blancos is strengthening the centre-back department, which has been weakened by David Alaba’s departure and Eder Militao’s latest long-term injury.

According to journalist Ramon Alvarez, Real Madrid are closely tracking as many as four top central defenders with international pedigree heading into the summer.

The Merengues’ idea is to go into the season with at least five options in the centre-back position, and as such, could end up signing two defenders, depending on the future of Raul Asencio.

With that in mind, they are closely following four top European centre-halves who can arrive and make immediate impact.

Ibrahima Konate

The first name on the list happens to be that of Ibrahima Konate, who announced his departure from Liverpool over the weekend following the expiry of his contract.

The French international is rated highly at Real Madrid and has been on the club’s radar for a long time. His free agency makes a move appealing as well, although much will depend on his contractual demands.

Nico Schlotterbeck

Real Madrid remain keen on Schlotterbeck. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck continues to be on Real Madrid’s agenda despite his recent contract renewal at Signal Iduna Park.

The German international is highly appreciated by Los Blancos due to his left-footed profile. Moreover, his new contract is said to contain a special release clause worth around €50 million which the Spanish giants can trigger to secure his signing.

Josko Gvardiol

Another left-footed centre-back on Real Madrid’s radar, Josko Gvardiol has only two years left on his contract at Manchester City and has left the door open for a possible exit this summer.

At 24 years old, the Croatian international can be an excellent long-term signing for the Spanish capital giants. However, there is concern about the price that Manchester City could demand for him as well as his physical condition after a recent serious injury.

Alessandro Bastoni

Bastoni could leave Inter Milan. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The final top centre-back name that Real Madrid are closely following happens to be Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni. The Italian had been linked strongly to Barcelona, but the Catalans have been discouraged by his price tag of around €60-70 million.

Despite the Nerazzurri insisting otherwise, Bastoni is expected to leave this summer and Jose Mourinho, who appears set to become the new Real Madrid manager, is an admirer of the 27-year-old defender.