A lot of demand but little supply of centre-backs

Elite centre-backs will be in high demand when the transfer window eventually reopens.

A number of European clubs, from Spain, Italy, England and just about everywhere else are in the hunt for defensive reinforcements, and the cost of top level defenders has multiplied in recent years.

Spain

Barcelona only have three in their first team, and their third choice is on the market at 40 million euros in Samuel Umtiti.

Jean-Clair Todibo is out on loan at Schalke, but the market's collapse makes it unlikely that they will execute their 25 million euro clause to sign him.

Athletic Club's Unai Nunez has impressed and he has a clause of 30 million euros despite not agreeing to extend his contract, whereas Yeray did exactly that a year ago to increase his clause to 70 million euros.

Pau Torres is coming through as a star at Villarreal with a 50 million euro clause, while Diego Llorente - with the same release clause - has already attracted Premier League interest.

Even Getafe's Djene Dakonam is valued at 35 million euros and Sevilla's Diego Carlos is shielded by 75 million euros.

Italy

Matthijs de Ligt is in the spotlight again at Juventus after a first year filled with doubt and the Dutchman, having joined last summer for 75 million euros, is of interest to Barcelona.

But the Old Lady aren't open to selling as they have Leonardo Bonucci, Daniele Rugani and Giorgio Chiellini on their books, as well as Merih Demiral.

Inter are also looking for a top level centre-back to accompany Milan Skriniar, Stefan de Vrij and Diego Godin. The Uruguayan could yet leave though.

Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly has plenty of suitors, but they'll have to pay close to 100 million euros to sign him.

England

Harry Maguire and Virgil van Dijk have already made astronomical moves in the Premier League but there's still huge demand for defenders.

Manchester City could sell John Stones or Nicolas Otamendi and already need to reinforce what is their Achilles heel.

Manchester United need another option alongside Maguire and Victor Lindelof, while Liverpool are on the lookout for someone else as well.

Jose Mourinho is keen to bring in options at Tottenham as Jan Vertonghen's contract is ending, leaving him with Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld.

Arsenal, too, want to add to their three options, all of which are coming into their last year under contract.

Even Chelsea need to add more quality to their backline.

France and Germany

Thiago Silva is leaving Paris Saint-Germain and a void will be left in his place.

Benoit Badiashile is attracting attention at Monaco, as is Dayot Upamecano at RB Leipzig.