Carlo Ancelotti 'gives green light' for Real Madrid's complicated pursuit of Spain defender

Carlo Ancelotti has given his approval for Real Madrid to try and sign Aymeric Laporte, a report has claimed.

Los Blancos have long been linked with a move for the centre-back, but their need to strengthen in that area of the pitch has increased of late.

Madrid have lost club captain Nacho Fernandez on a free transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah, while they were beaten by Manchester United to the signing of Lille's Leny Yoro. Veteran defender David Alaba is also not expected to return from an anterior cruciate ligament injury until the very end of 2024.

Given their shortage of centre-backs, AS report that Ancelotti has 'given the green light' for Madrid to pursue Laporte, but there are complications over a deal.

Madrid do not intend to pay a transfer fee for Laporte, who earns a yearly €24m salary with Al Nassr. If the 30-year-old is to move to the Santiago Bernabeu, he must first be released from his contract.

Laporte's agent has offered to forgo the final €48m he is still to earn on the last two years of his contract, but Al Nassr have rejected this proposal.

Recent reports suggested Al Nassr had called an emergency meeting to discuss Laporte's situation, but AS deny this took place and the club are ultimately relaxed about the situation.

Though Laporte would like to join Madrid, he is in no rush to leave Saudi Arabia due to the lucrativeness of his contract.

Laporte played a starring role for Spain during their successful Euro 2024 campaign but has not played in La Liga since 2018 with Athletic Club, after which he signed for Manchester City. He was then sold to Al Nassr in 2023.

Madrid also remain interested in Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies, who is into the final year of his deal at the Allianz Arena.

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