Real Madrid considering move for Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr teammate: Reports

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr teammate Aymeric Laporte. Los Blancos are looking to bring in a defender after injuries to Dani Carvajal (cruciate ligament tear), Eder Militao (muscle injury), and David Alaba (cruciate ligament tear).

As per a report by Mario Cortegana of The Athletic (via Madrid Xtra on X), Laporte is one of the names Real Madrid are looking to sign. The Spaniard was linked with the club when he became a free agent last year, but he opted to join Al Nassr.

Last month, Laporte told Marca (via Yahoo Sports) that there was no contact with Los Blancos since leaving Manchester City in 2023.

"There was nothing, no approach. In Saudi Arabia, I'm far from my normal surroundings and family. I could consider in future returning to Europe. If an offer comes in, it has to be looked at," he said.

Apart from Laporte, Los Blancos are also interested in Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig and Vitor Reis of Palmeiras. The Spanish giants are keeping their options open after ruling out signing more players in the summer.

Earlier this year, Carlo Ancelotti insisted he was happy with the squad despite injuries. He had backed the young players at the club to step up and deliver, saying (via Football Espana):

"The squad is closed, we just have to wait for the market to close. We have extraordinary talents, and we can compete for everything. We think Alaba will be back soon, and we have young players who can play. We have had the bad luck of Joan's injury. (Raul) Asencio and Jacobo (Ramon) can contribute."

Real Madrid have not made a signing in the January window since 2019 when they signed Brahim Diaz from Manchester City. They are set to break the self-imposed rule and bring in a defender as Ancelotti looks for options.

Leny Yoro snubbed Real Madrid to join Cristiano Ronaldo's former club Manchester United

Real Madrid were keen on signing Leny Yoro but Manchester United beat them to the signing of the young defender this year. Reporting on the defender's decision recently, journalist Fabrizio Romano said (via CaughtOffside):

"It did seem that Leny Yoro would be signing for Real Madrid at one stage, but, for sure, Man United presented a long term project with him as a regular starter."

"Important player status immediately, complete trust for the long term and of course an important salary were also factors in how Man United signed Leny Yoro. These reasons were the key for Yoro to decide to accept Manchester United's offer despite Madrid's strong interest," Romano added.

Yoro suffered an ankle injury during pre-season and is yet to feature for Manchester United this season. He was scouted by Los Blancos extensively but they were unwilling to match the asking price set by Lille in the summer.