Real Madrid have been offered the opportunity to strengthen their defence with the signing of Roma defender Evan Ndicka.

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• Real Madrid offered Ndicka
• Ivorian can add depth to defence
• Madrid face Pachuca

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Aware of Real Madrid's desire to bulk up their options at the back, Roma hoped to offload the Ivorian defender to Los Blancos for a sizable fee, as per . However, Madrid have already signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth after paying his £50 million ($66m) release clause and view spending another €40m (£34m/$46m) on Ndicka too costly. The Spanish giants do not believe Ndicka is the right fit or value for money as a squad option.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Madrid are struggling defensively with both David Alaba and Eder Militao nursing long-term injury issues. Huijsen partnered Raul Asencio at the heart of the Madrid defence in their opening game of the Club World Cup against Al-Hilal and will no doubt be a mainstay, but further reinforcements will be required – particularly if Xabi Alonso wishes to play his favoured formation with three defenders and wing-backs.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  It is perhaps surprising that Roma are looking to offload Ndicka, given he is an integral member of the squad. The defender played every single minute in Serie A last season, but the Italian club are under financial constraints and are under pressure to sell even their most important players.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NDICKA?

  While Madrid turned down the chance to sign Ndicka this time, it does not mean they won't explore the opportunity again. Roma may have to lower their asking price for the Ivory Coast international, but there is still a chance that Ndicka departs Stadio Olimpico this summer. As for Real Madrid, they take on Pachuca on Sunday night and will be looking to avoid another injury to a central defender – or signing Ndicka could prove to become a necessity.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News