Report: Real Madrid identify new centre-back target

Real Madrid have been linked with RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba as they continue to weigh up options to strengthen their threadbare defence.

Madrid have been functioning this season with only three senior centre-backs: Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao and Jesus Vallejo. But the latter has been completely on the periphery other than a ten-minute appearance against Alaves in La Liga, with Carlo Ancelotti preferring instead to pull Aurelien Tchouameni out of midfield if he needs cover beyond his two starters.

David Alaba is the only left-sided centre-back in the squad. But he has made slow progress in his recovery from an ACL injury suffered last December and is ultimately not a long-term solution for Madrid given that he will turn 33 before the start of next season.

SPORT has reported that Madrid have hit a few dead ends in the ongoing search for new options, with most otherwise suitable centre-backs right-footed – including 18-year-old Palmeiras talent Vitor Reis. But Lukeba is left-footed and meets the criteria the club are looking for.

The 21-year-old joined RB Leipzig from Lyon in the summer of 2023 and has flourished with the Bundeslida side. That has included playing every minute of the club's three Champions League fixtures so far this season, all narrow defeats against Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Liverpool.

Lukeba, described by some in recent months as the 'next Josko Gvardiol', signed a new contract with Leipzig literally this week. That extended his deal to 2029, but a €90m (£75m) release clause remains unaffected. Dominik Szoboszlai left in 2023 when Liverpool triggered his release clause, but Leipzig have also shown a willingness to negotiate structured payment deals, as happened with Barcelona and Dani Olmo, as long as they are able to secure the full amount eventually.

But Madrid seemingly aren't the only side taking an interest. SPORT also notes Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Newcastle United have the France international on their respective recruitment radars.

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