Real Madrid offer 5-year deal to sign 21-year-old Croatia international liked by Modric; player rejects move due to one reason: Reports
Real Madrid transfer target Martin Baturina has rejected a contract offer from the club. According to transfer journalist Patrick Berger, the Dinamo Zagreb midfielder was offered a five-year deal by the Spanish giants, who also wanted to loan him out within Spain for two years.
However, the 21-year-old is keen on becoming a permanent member of the first team rather than spending time away, thus dismissing the proposal.
Baturina is believed to have a huge admirer in Real Madrid legend Luka Modric. Similar to the 39-year-old, Baturina has come up through Dinamo Zagreb's academy and has become a key player for the senior team. He has collected two goals and seven assists in 17 games for the side this season.
The youngster also received his first call-up to the national side last year for the Euro Qualifiers, making his debut in November in a 2-0 win over Latvia. He also made the side's 26-man squad for the Euros.
Centre-back trio identified as Real Madrid look to bolster backline
Real Madrid have shortlisted three defenders to add to their side in the upcoming January transfer window. This comes after an injury suffered by Eder Militao that is set to keep him out for an extended period.
According to a report from AS, Al-Nassr's Aymeric Laporte, RB Leipzig's Castello Lukeba, and Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah have been chosen as targets, while Sergio Ramos is not in the running.
With Militao succumbing to an ACL tear, Real Madrid are severely short-handed with centre-back options. Aurelien Tchouameni will likely be moved out of position to partner Antonio Rudiger, indicating Los Blancos' need to address the position after they failed to do so in the summer. Academy product Raul Asencio came off the bench in their 4-0 LaLiga win over Osasuna on Saturday (November 9) and could also see some minutes.
Laporte has a lot of experience in LaLiga, making over 150 appearances for Athletic Bilbao between 2012 and 2018. Lukeba and Tah, meanwhile, have never featured in Spain.
Lukeba joined RB Leipzig from Olympique Lyon last year and has quickly become one of the top centre-back prospects in Europe. The 21-year-old Frenchman could be a vital addition to Real Madrid with the potential to become a solid option for a long time.
Tah, meanwhile, impressed for Bayer Leverkusen in their unbeaten domestic campaign last season. This time, however, Xabi Alonso's side have not been great defensively (16 goals conceded in 10 league games) but the German possesses the ability to make an impact straight away.