Real Madrid identify 2 players worth a combined €160 million to bolster defense – Reports

Real Madrid have reportedly earmarked Benfica's Antonio Silva and Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio as two defensive targets for the future.

Los Blancos, who finished second in the La Liga table last season, decided not to add a defender to their squad ahead of the 2023-24 term. However, they are in the midst of a crisis now, with only three central defensive options at their disposal after Eder Militao's serious injury.

Now, according to Fichajes.net, Real Madrid have set their eyes on both Silva and Inacio as potential transfer targets. Los Blancos chief scout Juni Calafat has been left impressed with the pair's performances.

Carlo Ancelotti's side, who spent close to €130 million on three new players earlier this summer, are likely to face a difficult time convincing Benfica to sell Silva. They are keen to dish out €50 million to rope in the 19-year-old, while Benfica are holding out for over €100 million.

Silva, whose current contract is set to run out in June 2027, has cemented himself as a first-team starter at his boyhood club since the start of the last campaign. He has helped them register 26 clean sheets in 55 overall matches, also scoring six goals in the process so far.

On the other hand, Los Merengues are also expected to face a tough time in their pursuit of Inacio. They are set to face competition from Liverpool and Manchester United in the race to sign the 22-year-old.

Inacio, who has a release clause of €60 million in his contract, has helped Sporting keep 23 shutouts in their last 63 games. He has scored 11 goals and laid out eight assists in 133 matches for his club so far.

Wayne Rooney says Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham is the future captain of England

Manchester United great Wayne Rooney has backed Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham to lead England with the captain's armband in the future. He said (h/t The Telegraph):

"Jude has got the potential to be one of, if not the best, if he carries on the way he is going, so, I think, we really have to support him because, in my eyes, he's the future captain of England. We need to protect him and really look at him as the future of England."

Bellingham, who arrived from Borussia Dortmund in a potential €134 million switch in the summer, has been the talk of the town of late. The 20-year-old has netted 11 goals and registered three assists in just 1036 minutes, spread across 12 matches for Real Madrid this season.

As for his national team, the Birmingham City youth product has also made waves with his outings in an England jersey. He has contributed a goal and three assists in his last two international games.