Real Madrid are combing the market looking for central defenders to cover a potential departure by Sergio Ramos. Ramos has requested that the club listen to offers for him and the name of Shkodran Mustafi has been cited as a possible replacement for the player from Sevilla. The German international spoke with Sport1 yesterday where it emerged that there has been contact between the player and Real Madrid: “At the moment I‘m on holiday, but who wouldn’t be happy that Madrid express an interest for you. This is a result of hard work”.
Kujtim Mustafi, the players father went further and confirmed Madrid’s interest: “It’s true; there has been contact via telephone regarding this matter. Some of these calls took place last season. Madrid is a great club and I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t be proud of my son signing for this club”.
Kujtim Mustafi is not the first person to reveal the interest between Madrid and the player. Mustafi’s agent, Ali Bulut also commented to German daily, Bild about the subject: “There have been direct inquiries from Real Madrid. But no further conversations nor negotiations”. The agent also reflected on other club’s who have expressed an interest in the Valencia player: “Barcelona have also been in touch with us with a view to incorporating Musfati in the winter transfer window”. He did tamper this interest stating: “Mustafi has a good contract at Valencia, a great club and for him to leave Mestalla, everything would need to be perfect”.
The German international arrived at Valencia last summer from Sampdoria, costing the club 8 million euro. He has a contract that runs to 2019 and a 50 million euro release clause. Mustafi is not the only option that Real Madrid are considering as a replacement for Ramos. Top of their “wish-list” is Valencia team-mate, Otamendi, currently on international duty for Argentina at the Copa America. Other names that have been touted are:Bonucci (Juventus), Laporte (Athletic) and Koscienly (Arsenal). All provisional names in the hope that Real Madrid can overcome the negotiations with Ramos.