Despite having strengthened their centre-back department over the past two summers with Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konate, Real Madrid remain interested in further bolstering the position.
And, according to TEAMtalk journalist Fraser Fletcher (h/t Defensa Central ) Real Madrid are interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion defender Luka Vuskovic next summer, with the Croatian defender attracting attention from several European giants.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool have joined the race for the 19-year-old, whose asking price stands at no less than £50 million. Bayern Munich and Chelsea are also monitoring his situation.
Real Madrid, managed by Jose Mourinho, are focused on the present after beating Barcelona in El Clasico at the Spotify Camp Nou this past weekend.
Man in demand. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
However, the Spanish giants are also continuing to plan for the future, with Vuskovic emerging as a potential defensive target.
The teenage Croatian has established himself as one of the most talented young defenders in Europe, following a highly impressive season on loan at Hamburg from Tottenham Hotspur.
It earned Vuskovic a summer transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion, with the defender establishing himself as a permanent fixture in the team, making 13 appearances with a goal and an assist to show for.
Real Madrid are not expected to make a move for Vuskovic in the immediate future. The Merengues already have several options in their squad, and their priorities for January could include strengthening midfield rather than adding another centre-back.
Next summer presents a different scenario. Antonio Rudiger is expected to leave when his contract expires, potentially creating an opening for a younger defender to join the squad.
Real Madrid admire Vuskovic. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Vuskovic, who has a contract with Brighton until June 2031, fits the profile of a long-term defensive investment for Los Blancos .
Juni Calafat, the key figure behind Real Madrid's recruitment of several highly rated young talents, is understood to have received positive reports on the Croatian.
However, the level of competition could make negotiations difficult, as the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich all remain interested in the youngster.
For now, the plan is understood to be allowing Vuskovic to continue his development at Brighton throughout the current season.
That would give Real Madrid further opportunities to assess his progress before deciding whether to make a formal move next summer.
