Ruben Dias: Manchester City hold talks over signing Benfica defender
- Published
Ruben Dias won his 19th cap for Portugal in the Nations League against Sweden earlier this month
Manchester City have held talks over signing Benfica defender Ruben Dias.
City boss Pep Guardiola wants a right-sided centre-back after choosing not to sign a replacement when former skipper Vincent Kompany retired in 2019.
Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly, 29, was initially the top target, but Napoli want £80m for the Senegal defender, which City are not prepared to pay.
Dias, 23, has impressed during three seasons at Benfica and was selected for Portugal's 2018 World Cup squad.
Guardiola is assessing a number of options before the transfer window closes on 5 October.
City are also interested in Sevilla's France Under-21 international Jules Kounde, who who helped his side overcome Wolves and Manchester United in the Europa League before they beat Inter Milan in the final.
Atletico Madrid's Jose Gimenez is also under consideration, though City have rejected reports from Spain that they have made a bid for the 25-year-old Uruguayan.
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