Tottenham and Aston Villa have both been linked with Anatoliy Trubin in recent weeks, but they may no longer have a clear run at the Benfica goalkeeper.
According to A Bola, Real Madrid have now entered the conversation too.
The Portuguese newspaper are relaying claims from Ukrainian media and Spanish outlets close to the Galacticos, who believe Trubin has made his way onto the club’s shortlist.
It’s not being presented as an advanced move yet though. Instead, it’s another sign the 24-year-old’s reputation is continuing to grow after another impressive season in Lisbon.
Mourinho and Lunin behind Real Madrid links
The most interesting part of the report is why Real Madrid are suddenly being mentioned. According to A Bola, the connection is largely down to José Mourinho.
The newspaper say Ukrainian media and Spanish outlets close to Real Madrid believe Trubin’s relationship with the new Madrid boss has helped put him on the club’s radar.
There’s also another factor. Andriy Lunin, Trubin’s rival for Ukraine’s No.1 shirt, does not have his future guaranteed at the Santiago Bernabéu. If he leaves, Real Madrid would need another goalkeeper, and Trubin is one of the names now being discussed.
Nothing suggests Madrid have made a move. Instead, this is another indication that clubs outside the Premier League are also starting to look at the Benfica goalkeeper.
That’s worth noting for Tottenham and Aston Villa, who have both been linked with Trubin in previous Portuguese reports.
Benfica’s price is becoming clearer
A Bola also add another detail to the valuation discussion. Earlier reports Portugal suggested Benfica werehoping to bring in around €40m (£34m) if Trubin leaves this summer.
A Bola frame things a little differently. They say the goalkeeper will leave the club for a minimum of €20m (£17m).
That doesn’t necessarily contradict what has been reported previously. It could simply mean Benfica would start listening to offers from that level while still hoping interest from multiple clubs eventually drives the fee much closer to €40m (£34m).
The wider picture hasn’t really changed in the end. Benfica are prepared to sell if the right offer arrives, while Trubin himself has no problem with the idea of moving on.
The Ukrainian has made no secret of the fact he wants to test himself in a stronger league, with the Premier League remaining his preferred destination.
There is still no formal offer on Benfica’s table. But the list of clubs being linked with Trubin keeps getting longer.