Spanish giants Real Madrid, who finished as runners-up in La Liga, are reportedly evaluating three potential candidates to succeed outgoing captain Dani Carvajal (34) in the right-back position.

Several indications suggest that the club’s search could lead them to the Premier League, a familiar territory for Jose Mourinho (63), who is set to take over as Real Madrid’s new manager and previously spent many successful years in England.

As per reports from Sport, one of the leading options under consideration is Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot. Mourinho is said to be particularly eager to reunite with his Portuguese compatriot at the Santiago Bernabéu. The two shared a brief working period at Manchester United after Dalot moved from FC Porto in the summer of 2018 for a fee of €22 million, with Mourinho managing him for six months before his departure.

Dalot, 27, who is also capable of playing on the left side of defence, remains under contract with Manchester United until 2028. The full-back enjoyed a consistent run in the starting eleven last season, making 36 competitive appearances across all tournaments and contributing one goal along with three assists. Given his importance, the Red Devils are reportedly keen to retain him and may seek to extend his current deal.

The next name linked to Real Madrid is Tottenham Hotspur’s Pedro Porro. According to As, the 26-year-old Spaniard has caught the attention of the Spanish club, but his valuation could pose a major obstacle. Porro, who is tied to Tottenham until 2028, joined the North London side from Sporting CP in 2023 for a transfer fee of €40 million. With Spurs still battling to climb the Premier League table, the club is unlikely to part ways with one of their key assets easily.

The third and most cost-effective path for Real Madrid would be to focus on their academy products. Within their youth ranks, two promising young talents – Jesus Fortea (19) and David Jimenez (22) – have emerged as potential long-term solutions for the right-back role, possibly providing backup to first-choice defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Fortea, who has been widely tipped as one of Spain’s most exciting young defenders, is reportedly on the verge of a summer move to Como 1907. Meanwhile, Jimenez has already gained first-team experience, having made four senior appearances for Los Blancos after being promoted to the squad earlier this year.

Real Madrid’s record transfer history continues to reflect their ambition, and the coming months will reveal whether the club chooses an experienced Premier League defender or opts to trust its homegrown stars for the future.