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La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly battling for the signature of defender Jonathan Tah. The Bayer Leverkusen defender is out of contract at the end of the season, leading to the speculation over his next move intensifying as the season progresses.
The 28-year-old German center back Jonathan Tah has been at the Bundesliga club for over nine seasons now, having joined them from Hamburg back in 2015. He has made 363 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen and is part of a formidable defence for Xabi Alonso's 3-man defence.
Tah has been a long-time target for Barcelona, who have been dealing with a defensive injury crisis. According to journalist Ramon Alvarez, their rivals Real Madrid have now entered the race to sign the German international.
It's not just Barcelona who have been unable to settle on a defensive partnership, Real Madrid are facing injury concerns of their own at the back. Alaba and Eder Militao have both struggled with fitness issues and the club has kept a clean sheet in only four matches all season.
Tah played a key role for Bayer Leverkusen last season as they kept 16 clean sheets en route to winning their maiden Bundesliga title. However, according to the aforementioned report, the defender has made it clear to the club that he plans on leaving when his contract expires in 2025.
France's treatment of Real Madrid ace upsets Barcelona
The La Liga season is well underway with Barcelona leading Real Madrid by three points after nine matches. The Catalan club have won eight matches so far, losing just once.
The Merengues, on the other hand, have remained unbeaten so far this season but three draws in their first nine matches leaves them trailing their rivals.
The international break has been the subject of controversy between Real Madrid and Barcelona as France have called up Jules Kounde but afforded Kylian Mbappe a rest. According to SPORT, the Blaugrana are not happy with the decision as they were hoping their star defender got a well-deserved rest.
Kounde has played over 1000 minutes already this season and is likely to feature for Les Blues for their UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium.
Mbappe, who had suffered a thigh injury, has been left out of the France squad by manager Didier Deschamps. However, the 25-year-old started and played 71 minutes in his club's 2-0 win over Villarreal.
