Real Madrid chose Eder Militao signing over Matthijs de Ligt

Militao has featured in just nine La Liga matches since joining from FC Porto in a €50m deal last summer and has struggled to replicate the positive form he showed in Portugal.

The 22-year-old was the subject of a lot of criticism from Madridistas following their side’s recent 2-1 loss at Real Betis and his form this season has not convinced to date.

Earlier this month, Diario Sport cited a report in Defensa Central that de Ligt’s agent Mino Raiola is keen to find a new destination for the Dutch central defender, who has at times struggled in his debut season at Italian champions Juventus.

The 20-year-old arrived at the Allianz Stadium from Ajax over the summer for €85m and was forced to step in earlier than expected after Giorgio Chiellini tore his anterior cruciate ligament in August.