Real Madrid are reportedly tracking the situation of Jason Denayer, with the 26-year-old in the final year of his contract with Ligue 1 giants Lyon.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid are eyeing a potential free transfer to bolster the heart of their defence in next summer’s transfer window. To that end, one of the options to have emerged on their radar is Lyon defender Jason Denayer.
Jason Denayer joined Lyon from Manchester City in the summer of 2018 and has since blossomed into a solid centre-back. A mainstay at the back for the Ligue 1 giants, the Belgian international has made 127 appearances for Les Gones while chipping in with six goals and an assist in the process.
Lyon, though, are in a precarious situation over the long-term future of the 26-year-old, who has entered the final year of his contract at the Groupama Stadium. Such a situation has piqued the interest of Real Madrid, who are scouring the market for potential free agents ahead of next summer’s transfer window.
Real Madrid made quite a grave error in their decision to not replace Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane with even one natural centre-back following their departures in the summer. While David Alaba has come in as a possible central defensive solution, it is worth noting that the Austrian and Eder Militao are the only reliable centre-backs at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal.
While Nacho tends to make an impression every now and then, he is best used as a backup option. In addition, the Spanish international is also on the wrong side of 30, which ought to prompt Real Madrid to enter the market for a centre-back anyway, especially with Jesus Vallejo likely to be sold amid interest from several La Liga clubs.
The Merengues do seem to be intent on righting their wrongs from the summer, with Antonio Rudiger being their priority target for the summer. However, with the Chelsea defender being such a highly sought-after commodity in the transfer market, Real Madrid will be better served by keeping their options open, with Denayer emerging on their radar to that end.
Apart from Denayer, a number of other defenders are also on Real Madrid’s radar, with Niklas Sule another key target for them. As for the 26-year-old, it remains to be seen if Los Blancos firm up their interest in him or choose to pursue some other defender instead.
