No progress on Real Madrid’s interest in 30-year-old defender despite strong displays | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s situation in defence has got the agents of several European stars alert and offers have been pouring into the offices at Valdebebas in recent weeks.

Los Blancos, for their part, have not even decided yet if they intend to enter the transfer market and look for a new signing.

In fact, reports in recent days have revealed that the current plan is to trust the existing core and that a decision will only be taken in January based on the injury situation and form of youngsters.

Yet, the list of players linked does not stop with Sergio Ramos, Aymeric Laporte and Jonathan Tah amongst those in the news.

Laporte’s status

Real Madrid are quite impressed with Aymeric Laporte. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

As the former Manchester City star confirmed in an interview earlier this week, he is open to a move to Real Madrid and it even aligns with his long-term vision of returning to European football.

Now, MARCA reveals that Real Madrid appreciate Laporte’s performances and even like him as an option to reinforce the defence in January. However, there has been no movement over his contract yet.

The operation will likely prove costlier for Los Blancos, especially given his contractual situation at Al-Nassr.

The Saudi-based side sees him to be one of the most fundamental pieces in their plan and will thus be reluctant to let him go, especially at a low price. Further, they are under no economic pressure to sell, giving them leverage over the negotiations.

It thus remains to be seen if the Merengues pursue Laporte as a serious option for the manoeuvre appears impossible as it stands. Raul Asencio will thus likely serve as Ancelotti’s preferred stand-in.