Real Madrid secured one new center back over the summer, with Dean Huijsen joining the La Liga giants.
With David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger both having unclear futures, Real is preparing to make a statement signing next summer.
Ibrahima Konate is the top choice, but there are alternatives also being monitored, if Konate's move does not work out.
Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano are the main center backs being considered, while Arsenal's William Saliba has also made the shortlist.
A new report from Defensa Central has suggested that Real Madrid's chief scout is close to making up his mind on which center back Real should attempt to sign.
Which center back does Real's chief scout prefer?
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According to the report from Defensa Central, Juni Calafat, Real's chief scout, prefers Guehi over Upamecano.
Both defenders have contracts expiring in 2026, with Guehi looking more likely to leave Palace than to stay.
The report has suggested that Guehi would be open to a move to Real after his deadline day move to Liverpool fell through.
There is also the claim that Guehi has asked his agent to look into the possibility of a move to Real.
Upamecano has hinted at a possible renewal with Bayern, as the Frenchman remains focused on Bayern at the moment.
His desire to stay at Bayern could be the deciding factor for Real's scouts, as they look to bolster their defense.
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