Three centre-backs Real Madrid could sign this summer, including an England star

Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao should start the 2024-25 season as the centre-back pair, with David Alaba not expected back until the latter stages of the year due to his recovery from a serious knee injury.

Los Blancos lost out on Leny Yoro's signature to Manchester United, but the club are likely to boost their defensive options over the next few weeks.

Here, Sports Mole looks at three potential incomings for the Spanish and European champions in that area of the field.

Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich)

De Ligt is widely expected to leave Bayern this summer, and it is understood that the centre-back has already reached an agreement with Man United over personal terms.

However, a switch to Old Trafford is currently on hold, as Man United recently signed Yoro, and the Red Devils need to shift another centre-back before a deal for De Ligt can be completed.

In the mean time, Real Madrid are said to be keeping a close eye on the situation, with Los Blancos weighing up an approach for the 24-year-old.

Bayern are believed to want in the region of €49m (£42m) for De Ligt, who has made 73 appearances for the Munich giants since arriving from Juventus.

The Dutchman certainly has the pedigree to represent Real Madrid, and it would not be a shock to see the ex-Ajax youngster move to Bernabeu before the transfer window closes.

Antonio Silva (Benfica)

Silva has a €100m (£84.4m) release clause in his Benfica contract, and there remains a host of speculation surrounding the 20-year-old's future.

The centre-back is regarded as one of the outstanding talents in world football, and he is expected to make the move to a European giant within the next few years.

Much will depend on Benfica's valuation of him this summer, as Real Madrid would not be prepared to go anywhere near his buy-out fee, and the Portuguese giants have every right to hold firm.

Silva would be regarded as a long-term replacement for Nacho, who left earlier this summer, with the Portugal international potentially playing a back-up role to the likes of Rudiger, Militao and Alaba next term.

Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)

Guehi was one of England's best performers at Euro 2024, and the Palace centre-back is now believed to be on Real Madrid's radar due to his recent development.

The 24-year-old made the move to Selhurst Park from Chelsea in 2021, and he has represented the Eagles on 111 occasions over the last three campaigns.

Palace are believed to want around £65m for Guehi, and like with Silva, Real Madrid will not go near that figure.

However, Los Blancos are a very difficult club to turn down, and there is a chance that Guehi could put pressure on the Eagles to accept a lower fee from Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Man United and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in the centre-back, who benefited from Harry Maguire's absence to start for England at this summer's European Championship.