Barcelona and Man City ‘eye Benfica defender Ruben Dias despite £87million release clause’

Barcelona and Manchester City feature prominently on the list of clubs wanting to sign Benfica defender Ruben Dias, according to reports in Portugal.

The 22-year-old has a long-term contract until the summer of 2024 at the Portuguese side, and his current deal reportedly includes an enormous £87million (100million euros) release clause.

However, that has reportedly not put off the Spanish and Premier League giants who are both considering a move for Dias, according to Portuguese outlet Record.

Manchester City and Barcelona are reportedly eyeing a move for defender Ruben Dias

The Benfica and Portugal centre-back has a reported £87million release clause in his contract

The report claims that the centre-back’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has offered his services to the Catalan giants as a potential long-term replacement to Frenchman Samuel Umtiti.

But Man City boss Pep Guardiola is also allegedly an admirer of the Portugal international, who has made 51 appearances across all competitions for club and country this season. 

Dias’ name therefore reportedly features on a shortlist which also includes Leicester City’s Caglar Soyuncu and Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

But Jorge Mendes has allegedly offered him to Barcelona as a replacement for Samuel Umtiti

The report also states Benfica president Luís Filipe Vieira’s idea is to resist selling his star players for low fees this year given the economic impact that will continue to hit football due to the coronavirus crisis.

Dias has two goals and one assists in 24 Primiera Liga appearances this campaign for the Lisbon giants.

His only other goal this season came in the Europa League against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Round of 32 back in February.

Pep Guardiola is also said to be an admirer of the 22-year-old Portugal international though