Real Madrid confident of luring Man City star away as Mourinho plots £80m deal

Real Madrid are growing increasingly confident of enticing Dias to the Bernabeu, with Mourinho - now back at the Spanish club for his second stint in charge - having identified the Portuguese centre-back as one of his primary summer targets.

Real president Florentino Perez is prepared to back Mourinho financially and is reportedly drawing up an initial offer for the defender. City, however, are determined to fend off any approach from the La Liga giants.

Incoming City manager Enzo Maresca considers the Portuguese defender integral to his plans at the Etihad. The exit of John Stones has only heightened Dias's importance to the squad.

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City brought Dias to the club from Benfica for £60m back in 2020, and he has since helped them clinch 11 major trophies - including the historic Treble in 2023.

However, Pep Guardiola's departure has thrown the futures of several City players into doubt. Dias, who is contracted until 2028, may be tempted by a fresh challenge having achieved everything there is to win in Manchester.

The centre-back is currently part of Portugal's World Cup squad and is focused on the tournament.

Yet the prospect of a move to Real will be hard to resist for Dias, whom Mourinho has pinpointed as a potential defensive partner for Antonio Rudiger. Real's hierarchy are also keeping a watchful eye on Dias's City teammate Rodri.

The Ballon d'Or winner has long been coveted by Real, yet even Perez acknowledges that pulling off a double swoop on City would be virtually unachievable.

City are powerless to prevent Bernardo Silva from making the switch, however, with the Portuguese midfielder set to join the Spanish giants on a free transfer once the tournament concludes.

Having brought down the curtain on his illustrious City career at the end of the season, he is now at liberty to embark on a fresh chapter.