Manchester City would have splashed out €100m on Benfica defender Ruben Dias this summer but the coronavirus pandemic has forced a change of plans, according to reports.
City have seen their two year dominance of the Premier League all but come to an end this season, with Liverpool almost certainly set to win the trophy for the first time in their history once football resumes.
Perhaps the biggest factor in City's disappointing defence of the title has been their struggles at the back, with the failure to replace Vincent Kompany being further compounded by injuries to Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi.
As a result Pep Guardiola is being touted to strengthen his back-line when the transfer window reopens and City have been linked with the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, Leonardo Bonucci and Dayot Upamecano.
Another to be linked is Benfica star Dias but Portuguese newspaper Record, via SportWitness, claim that the Blues will no longer make a move for him as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, which is expected to have a huge impact on football finances and the transfer window.
The 23-year-old extended his contract in Lisbon last year which saw his release clause rise from €60m to €100m and it's claimed City were prepared to splash out to sign him.
However, it is worth considering City baulked at Leicester City's £80million asking price for Harry Maguire last summer and €100m would be considerably higher than their biggest ever transfer fee.
Meanwhile, City will reportedly rival Chelsea to sign Inter Milan youngster Lorenzo Pirola.
Serie B news, via the Express, say Inter manager Antonio Conte has earmarked the centre-back as a future first-teamer, but that Chelsea, City and Borussia Dortmund are all tracking him.
The 18-year-old recently signed a contract extension until 2025, though.
