Which defender will Real Madrid sign - Ibrahima Konate or Dayot Upamecano? How about both!

The Liverpool defeat has convinced Real Madrid that they need defensive reinforcements and the project cannot stop with an Ibrahima Konaté signing. The Frenchman will be a great addition, but they will need more class in their backline in the light of Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba being unlikely to continue.

Earlier, it was rumoured that Real might ditch Konaté for Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano, his international teammate. However, fresh reports claim that the Los Blancos are open to having both of them. Multiple reports claim that these are much more than random transfer rumours. The likes of Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, Kylian Mbappé, and Aurélien Tchouaméni in their ranks mean it will be easier for the duo to settle in, the club reportedly calculates.

Konaté has long been linked to a move to Real Madrid — the reason for his stalling a contract extension with Liverpool. However, it was claimed that he was upset ever since he heard about Upamecano deciding against a new Bayern Munich contract over a potential free transfer to the Spanish capital involving a €20 million (£17.3 million) salary bonus if he decides to choose the Spanish capital as his next destination. He was worried that Real will ultimately go back on their verbal promise to come for him next summer.

Bayern Munich have so far failed to take contract extension talks with the 27-year-old forward over salary and bonus demands. Xabi Alonso loves him for his strength, progressive passing, and stamina, while Florentino Pérez should be convinced by his Champions League experience and running-out contract, reports point out.

While Éder Militão is a strong presence in the back, his redundant injury scares leave Real Madrid vulnerable during the campaign. Rüdiger and Alaba are ageing and are not ideal for Xabi's style of play. Then there are young Raúl Asencio and Dean Huijsen, both raw and needing a leader to grow up to their full potential. Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace has also been linked to the La Liga giants, but no fresh updates have dropped about the defender's future, who is said to be a priority for Liverpool.