Real Madrid are reportedly in negotiations with Benfica for Raul De Tomas and are looking to include Ruben Dias in the entire transaction.
Spanish publication Sport have reported that Ruben Dias might be set for a move to the European big leagues soon. The SL Benfica star has previously been linked with Manchester United. But, as per the report, Real Madrid are looking to bring the Portuguese international to Spain.
The report states that SL Benfica are interested in signing Raul De Tomas and are locked in negotiations with Real Madrid for the forward. But, the Spanish giants are looking to include Ruben Dias in the deal, which will see the deal converted into a cash plus De Tomas offer for the Portuguese centre-back.
At 22, Ruben Dias already mirrors qualities of an experienced centre-back. Already a Portuguese international, Dias has been one of the standout performers for SL Benfica and the senior Portuguese side, who have recently captured the inaugural UEFA Nations League, beating Netherlands 1-0 in the final.
55 senior appearances for SL Benfica this season is also a testament to the fitness levels of Dias, which along with his matured presence at the back has caught the attention of Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Manchester United’s need to add a centre-back to partner Victor Lindelof for the 2019-20 season and beyond is not a secret. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been left unimpressed by the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo, who have all failed to prove their fitness over a lengthy period. Eric Bailly’s competitive streak has established that he cannot be relied upon in big games.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have already signed one centre-back from Liga NOS, with Eder Militao set to join the club once the transfer window opens. But, Zinedine Zidane would love to add another quality centre-back to his roster, with only Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane options worthy of starting week-in week-out.
Ramos and his knack of accumulating sanctions saw Real Madrid pay the heavy price against Ajax in the 2018-19 Champions League. Zidane would be looking to avoid such a situation under his tutelage, which justifies their move for Dias, who could, in time, become the long-term replacement for Ramos.
Raul De Tomas has impressed in the 2018-19 La Liga campaign on loan at Rayo Vallecano, with 14 goals to his name. The forward is now set to return to the Bernabeu, where he is unlikely to get a look-in, with Zidane set to have Karim Benzema, Mariano Diaz and new signing Luka Jovic at his disposal.
Benfica are reportedly ready to pay €20 million to sign De Tomas from Real Madrid. But, Madrid are looking to use De Tomas in a deal to sign Dias instead. The Spanish giants are negotiating with Benfica and are scouring if they could offer cash plus De Tomas for the UEFA Nations League winner.
Manchester United were tipped to be one of the clubs in the running for Ruben Dias. But, if Real Madrid are intent on thrashing out a deal for Dias, chances are, they will have their way.
