Real Madrid have joined Barcelona in the race to sign Benfica goalkeeper Ederson Moraes, according to reports.
According to the London Evening Standard, Madrid have begun scouting Ederson Moraes as they look to sign a new goalkeeper for the new season. They claim that Real are willing to spend big money in the summer but are reluctant to spend a large amount on a goalkeeper.
Moraes would represent a much cheaper option than Madrid’s other targets and he has been attracting interest from Barcelona and Manchester City as well. Barcelona reportedly sent scouts to watch Moraes, Victor Lindelof and Nelson Semedo and are reportedly keen on signing Moraes in the summer.
Moraes has been in fine form for Benfica this season and has kept 10 clean sheets in 15 games in the Primeira Liga. Moraes is also making 2.07 saves per game and averaging 3.88 saves per goal, which is a higher rate than fellow Madrid targets Thibaut Courtois, Hugo Lloris and David De Gea, according to Squawka.
The 23-year old’s impressive performances have led to him being scouted by top European clubs and it appears there will now be a tussle for his signature between the two dominant Spanish clubs if they choose to pursue their interest in him.
Real Madrid have been heavily linked with a number of top goalkeepers over the last few weeks. Thibaut Courtois – who has even admitted in the past that he does not see himself staying at Chelsea for a long time – is apparently at the top of their list alongside Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea.
It was even reported that Courtois was forcing a move to Real Madrid and that his agent was in “constant contact” with Real over a potential summer move to the Bernabeu. However, the Evening Standard claim that Chelsea will offer him a new contract in order to stave off interest from Los Blancos.
Madrid infamously failed to sign David De Gea on deadline day back in 2015 after reportedly failing to complete the paperwork before the transfer window closed and the Spaniard himself would not be pressed on whether or not he would make a move this summer.
Another name on Real Madrid’s shortlist is Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Lloris has consistently been one of the best goalkeepers in the league ever since joining Spurs and emerged as a target for Los Blancos earlier this month.
However, as the Standard claim, Real Madrid are unwilling to spend huge amounts on a goalkeeper and any one of those Premier League goalkeepers would no doubt command a huge fee should Madrid seriously pursue them. While Benfica will also play hardball over a fee, Moraes will no doubt be a much cheaper option for Los Blancos.
