It is safe to say that Dani Carvajal's upturn in form this season has been a major boost for Real Madrid. He has been one of the club's standout performers in the ongoing campaign but that does not mean that they can ignore the need for long-term reinforcements at right-back. At the end of the day, the Spaniard is 32 years of age and cannot be relied upon to be a starter for a long time to come.
Real Madrid have been linked with plenty of right-backs in recent times. Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool, Reece James of Chelsea, Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur and a few others are rumoured to be potential options for Los Blancos.
Yan Couto is another name that has been doing the rounds of the rumour mill. The Manchester City right-back is on loan at Girona and has been one of La Liga's best this season, if not the very best.
That appears to have drawn interest from Real Madrid. And now, it looks like Couto's future at Manchester City is in doubt as well.
Real Madrid handed boost in race to sign Manchester City player
As reported by MARCA, Couto continues to resist City Group's attempts to improve and extend his deal, which expires in the summer of 2025. Any move by Real Madrid depends on him not signing any extension.
Couto is enjoying his breakout campaign right now, as Girona put up an unlikely title challenge. The 21-year-old Brazilian international could be a brilliant long-term signing for Real Madrid, if they are able to sign him from Manchester City.
One would expect Manchester City to be open to an exit, if they are unable to agree an extension with Couto in the near future. But other clubs would surely be interested as well.