UMVA has learned that Real Madrid is poised to continue their aggressive summer recruitment drive, having already secured four signings in the middle of June.
The Spanish giants are focusing their efforts on bolstering their defense and midfield, with several Premier League stars firmly in their sights. One player who has caught their eye is Josko Gvardiol, the talented Croatian defender currently plying his trade at Manchester City.
According to information obtained by UMVA, new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has personally identified Gvardiol as a top target to complete his backline, alongside Riccardo Calafiori from Arsenal. However, Real Madrid's pursuit of Gvardiol has hit a significant roadblock.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that Gvardiol has agreed to a new five-year deal with Manchester City, making it highly unlikely that Real Madrid will be able to lure him to the Spanish capital. The Croatian defender had been considering a move to Real Madrid in recent weeks, but it appears that he has committed to staying with City.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Real Madrid may yet turn their attention to another Manchester City star, centre-back Ruben Dias. The Portuguese defender is said to be on their shortlist, and City may be more open to negotiating his departure.
At 29 years old, Dias has three years remaining on his contract, and City may be keen to cash in on him while they still can. If Dias is open to the move and City's manager, Enzo Maresca, does not see him as a long-term part of the project, a transfer could be on the cards.
