Real Madrid Willing to Pay €25 Million for Manchester City's Yan Couto

Real Madrid is reportedly prepared to invest €25 million in signing 21-year-old Brazilian defender Yan Couto from Manchester City, as per a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes.

Couto, who hails from Brazil, began his football journey in his homeland, graduating from the Coritiba youth setup. He caught the attention of Manchester City, who secured his services in July 2020 while he was still a teenager. However, Couto has yet to establish himself in Manchester City's first-team squad.

Instead, the 21-year-old has been loaned out three times, twice to Girona FC. His current loan spell has been particularly fruitful, contributing to Girona's success in La Liga with two goals and seven assists in 26 appearances this season.

With Couto set to return to Manchester City in the summer with only a year left on his contract, Real Madrid has taken notice of his situation. The club sees him as a potential solution to their right-back position, especially with Dani Carvajal's advancing age and declining performance levels.

Real Madrid's interest in Couto is further fueled by the fact that Carvajal's backups, Lucas Vazquez and Nacho, are also nearing the end of their contracts. Neither player is considered suitable as the undisputed first-choice right-back for Real Madrid, making Couto an appealing target.

Although Lutsharel Geertruida has emerged as another target, Couto appears to be Real Madrid's top priority. The club is reportedly willing to pay €25 million to secure his services, although it remains to be seen if Manchester City will opt to integrate him into their first-team squad or consider a transfer deal.