Jose Mourinho is plotting a shock £80m swoop on Manchester City for Ruben Dias, with Real Madrid becoming increasingly confident of luring the defender to the Bernabeu.
Mourinho's return sparks Dias pursuit
Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid for his second spell in charge and has made Dias one of his main summer targets. Real president Florentino Perez is willing to back Mourinho and is now preparing to make an initial bid for the Portuguese centre-back.
However, City are ready to do whatever it takes to resist an approach from the Spanish giants. Incoming boss Enzo Maresca regards Dias as crucial to his future plans at the Etihad, especially after the departure of John Stones made Dias's influence on the team even more important.
Dias's City legacy
City signed Dias from Benfica in a £60m deal in 2020. He has since helped City win 11 major trophies, including the Treble in 2023. But the departure of Pep Guardiola has cast doubts on the futures of numerous City stars, including Dias, who remains under contract until 2028.
Dias could be keen on a new challenge, having won all there is to win in Manchester. The centre-back is currently part of the Portugal World Cup squad and is focused on the tournament, but the lure of a move to Real will be difficult to ignore.
Real's defensive plans
Mourinho has earmarked Dias to form a defensive partnership with Antonio Rudiger. Real bosses are also keeping close tabs on Dias's City teammate Rodri, the Ballon d'Or winner, who remains a long-time target. However, even Perez realises his club's chances of succeeding in a double deal with City are close to impossible.
City have no power to stop Bernardo Silva from making that move, however. Silva is set to join the Spanish giants as a free agent at the conclusion of the tournament, having ended his legendary City career at the end of the season.
