Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are fighting to sign Sporting Portugal midfielder William Carvalho, Portuguese sports newspaper A Bola has revealed.
The 23-year-old is one of the most sought-after defensive midfielders in Europe. He has had a terrific season with the Portuguese side, finishing second in the table only six points behind Porto.
The defensive midfielder role is one of Los Blancos weaknesses and the club directors are always eyeing player who could fit in that position.
Asier Illarramendi and Lucas Silva don’t seem to fulfil Rafa Benitez’s necessities. Casemiro, on the other hand, seems to have pleased the Spanish manager, but Carvalho could be an option for next season should Casemiro fail to succeed this year.
Thus, Real are considering to make a bid for Carvalho either next January or in the summer of 2016. But that offer could arrive late should Atletico Madrid finally decide to sign him this summer.
Diego Simeone is trying to bring Thiago Motta to reinforce his midfield, but should that transfer fail Carvalho could be their next option.
However Sporting are not willing to let the player go, and they will not sell unless they receive an important offer. Several Premier League sides have also shown an interest in signing Carvalho, and that has increased the footballer’s value.