The Champions League winners, who strengthened their defence this summer with ex-Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger and 80 million defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, are keen to continue making improvements to Carlo Ancelotti’s side.And on the top of the list of their wishes is the Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo. According to reports, Los Blancos want to lure the Portuguese to Bernabeu for a fee in the region of 50 million euros next summer.Pep Guardiola has increasingly relied on the Portuguese full-back at the Etihad both for versatility and creativity from defence.🇵🇹 Real Madrid believe João Cancelo would be an ideal addition since he plays both LB & RB at a top level. @diarioas pic.twitter.com/ZHQZuLu1TL— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) September 29, 2022 Adept at featuring both on the left and right flank, Cancelo chalked up over 50 appearances in all competitions last season and has yet to miss a match for Guardiola so far this campaign.If Real Madrid need reinforcements in any position on the pitch that would be on the defensive flanks. After Marcelo left the club and Dani Carvajal long past his peak, the Royal Club is eager to upgrade at full-back and they have reportedly identified Cancelo as the ideal buy-in defence next summer.Although it is thought that Cancelo would play predominantly at left-back, the Bernabeu chiefs are also keen to offer club veteran Carvajal additional support on the right flank, with the Spaniard turning 31 in January. Also, Ferland Mendy’s future in doubt ahead of next summer.##NAJAVA_MECA_6686174##Los Blancos are confident a deal in the region of 50 million euros can be struck between the two Champions League outfits, according to AS, even though Cancelo’s current deal expires in 2027.And might not be all between Man City and Real Madrid. Reports suggest that the Madridians are even plotting to poach star striker Erling Haaland, although they would need to activate the Norwegian’s 180 million euros release clause, which is only valid in the summer of 2024.The Cancelo deal sounds more realistic and if it happens – it would be a massive acquisition for Florentino Perez’s plans to continue dominating European football.
