Carlo Ancelotti 'gives the green light' to Real Madrid's pursuit of the Spanish defender

Carlo Ancelotti has given his go-ahead to Real Madrid to try to sign Aymeric Laporte, according to a report.

Los Blancos have long been linked with a move for a centre-back, but their need to strengthen in that area has increased of late.

Madrid lost club captain Nacho Fernandez on a free transfer to Al Qadsiah of the Saudi Pro League, and were beaten by Manchester United in the signing of Leny Yoro from Lille. Veteran defender David Alaba is also not expected to return from an anterior cruciate ligament injury until the end of 2024.

With their lack of defenders, AS reports that Ancelotti has 'given the green light' for Madrid to pursue Laporte, but there are problems with the deal.

Madrid do not intend to pay a transfer fee for Laporte, who earns an annual salary of 24 million euros through Al Nassr. If the 30-year-old is to move to the Santiago Bernabeu, he must first be released from his contract.

Laporte's agent has offered to give up the 48 million euros he will receive in the last two years of his contract, but Al Nassr has rejected the offer.

Recent reports suggested that Al Nassr had called an emergency meeting to discuss Laporte's situation, but AS denies what happened and the club is finally free of this situation.

Although Laporte would like to join Madrid, he is in no rush to leave Saudi Arabia due to his huge contract.

Laporte starred for Spain during their successful Euro 2024 campaign but has not featured in La Liga since 2018 with Athletic Club, after which he signed for Manchester City. He was then sold to Al Nassr in 2023.

Madrid also remain interested in Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies, who is entering the final year of his contract at the Allianz Arena.

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