Real Madrid target AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw

Real Madrid target Malick Thiaw as Nacho replacement

According to rumours, Real Madrid are interested in signing German defender Malick Thiaw from AC Milan next summer.

The German centre-back would give the Spanish powerhouses' squad more depth, according to Mundo Deportivo. They are prepared to spend almost €20 million (£17.28 million/$21 million) on Thiaw, who they see as a possible back-up for their first-choice defenders, David Alaba and Eder Militao.

Thiaw has appeared in a total of nine games for the Rossoneri across every competition and has solidified himself as a key component of Stefano Pioli's defensive setup.

He is regarded as a promising player with a promising future and already made his Germany debut against Poland in June.

Right now, Thiaw would be helpful to Real Madrid. They have experienced defensive issues this year as a result of Militao's anterior cruciate ligament injury. Additionally, Carlo Ancelotti has occasionally been compelled to utilise Eduardo Camavinga in defence due to the nagging ailments to Alaba and Ferland Mendy.

The Italian coach was so low on central defenders when Nacho was dismissed against Girona that Aurelian Tchouameni was even allowed to play centre back versus Osasuna.

Real Madrid are therefore looking for defensive additions for the summer of 2019, though AC Milan are likely to demand a lot more money than €20 million (£17.3 million) to release Thiaw considering his age and duration of contract.

Real Madrid have to contend with ambiguity around the foreseeable future of team captain Nacho Fernandez, who is scheduled to become a free agency at the conclusion of the current season, in along with Militao and Alaba's fitness issues.

Despite having recruited Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, Fran Garcia, Joselu, and Kepa Arrizabalaga to the Spanish capital this summer, Blancos board chairman Jose Manuel Ortero has declared that his team will not be spending much in January.