Manchester City could offer Nicolas Otamendi to Benfica in a swap deal for Ruben Dias - according to reports.
Pep Guardiola is eager to sign a new centre-back this summer despite adding Nathan Ake to his ranks earlier in the window.
MEN Sport understand Kalidou Koulibaly was a priority target for the City boss but the Blues are now pursuing other targets on their list as a move for the Senegal international continues to stall.
Sevilla defender Joules Kounde and Atletico Madrid man Jose Gimenez are on City's shortlist but the Blues have opened talks to sign Benfica defender Dias, sources in Portugal have confirmed.
Dias is under contract at Benfica until 2024 and The Daily Mail report that his club would prefer a straight cash deal rather than see Otamendi included in any potential move.
Elsewhere, reports in Italy suggest City cannot be ruled out as a potential destination for Juventus defender Daniele Rugani this summer.
The 26-year-old is widely expected to leave the club and has been linked with a switch to the Premier League among many clubs around Europe.
Tuttosport claim Rugani is being monitored by City as he would be significantly cheaper than the other targets on their shortlist.
Rugani made just ten appearances in the Serie A last season and remains behind Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini in the pecking order.
