16:32h CEST

Freiburg centre back defender Çağlar Söyüncü is reportedly on the list of targets of Atlético Madrid. Although the position of central defence is well covered by four top-level players, Atlético could sign the Turkish international as cover should José María Giménez, Diego Godín, Stefan Savic or Lucas Hernandez leave the Wanda Metropolitano. And with this in mind, Atlético’s Sporting Director Andrea Berta has maintained contact with the player’s agent, Mustafa Dogru.

Several clubs are interested in signing Söyüncü, but the player would supposedly prefer to play for Atlético. He would see a move to Madrid as a big step in his career and believes that Diego Simeone would help to improve him as a player.

Freiburg want between 25 and 30 million euros for the 22-year-old. And the player and his agent expect the club to facilitate the possible move to Atlético, where Söyüncü believes he has the ability to challenge for a place in the team.

Departure of Giménez, Lucas, Savic or Godín unlikely

But currently, finding a place on the team would be complicated for the Turkish defender. Giménez and Lucas have just renewed their contracts and are seen as indispensable. Savic also has a contract, but has had interesting offers from clubs in England and Italy, although Atlético do not want to sell him. Godín, who has one year left on his contract with a release clause of 20 million euros, has attracted the interest of Juventus, but Atlético are keen to tie up his renewal.

But should something unexpected happen with any of these four, Atlético have their eyes on Söyüncu as the potential replacement.