Real Madrid are reportedly set to open talks with FC Porto over a summer move for Alex Telles, who is also drawing interest from Juventus.
Portuguese publication Record are claiming that Real Madrid are not done with their pursuit of full-backs for the present transfer window. FC Porto star Alex Telles has been linked with a move to Juventus. But, it seems Los Blancos have entered the race for the Brazilian.
Alex Telles has established himself as an able performer since his move to FC Porto. The FC Juventude youth product has not only made the left-back slot his own at Porto. The 2017-18 campaign saw him return a tally of 20 assists and 4 goals, all while playing as a left-back.
Such numbers for unprecedented for a defender, which just goes to prove his attacking ability. The player has been linked with a move away from FC Porto since January. Chelsea were linked heavily with the player in the winter transfer window. But, it is Juventus that are reportedly closing in on the 25-year-old’s signature.
The Bianconeri are likely to offload Alex Sandro, who is rumoured to have agreed personal terms with Manchester United. Alex Telles and his ability on the left flank makes him one of the perfect profiles to replace his fellow Brazilian within the Juventus squad.
Alex Telles has played in Serie A for Inter Milan and will not take much time to settle in, which is another thing that has made him a priority target for Juventus. But, according to Record, Telles is a target for Real Madrid as well.
Real Madrid signed Alvaro Odriozola to shore up the right side of the defence. But, the left side is still in tatters. Theo Hernandez has not been able to become an able deputy to Marcelo, let alone challenge him for a regular spot in the starting eleven. The former Atletico Madrid star is reportedly on his way out, on loan or a transfer with a buy-back clause.
Thus, Real Madrid need a player to support Marcelo on the left side. At 25, Telles has all the tools to not just act as a deputy but take over from the Brazilian superstar, should he end up leaving. There have been murmurs of a potential reunion of Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo at Juventus, which if happens, would further exacerbate the need for a left-back.
FC Porto are reportedly ready to do a deal at €40 million. Real Madrid are set to open talks with the Portuguese giants over the Brazilian’s transfer, which would not be positive news for Juventus. In turn, this could also force Manchester United’s hand, with Juventus unlikely to allow Alex Sandro to leave before a replacement in signed.
The stance from FC Porto is simple. They want the suitors to pay the €40 million release clause for Telles and land him. With Real Madrid now in the race for the 25-year-old, it will be interesting to see how Juventus react to the situation.
