Atletico Madrid are prepared to pay the €60m release clause of highly-rated Benfica defender Ruben Dias, according to a report in Diario AS.
Los Rojiblancos may need to incorporate several new defensive signings this year with Lucas Hernandez joining Bayern Munich while Diego Godin, Juanfran Torres and Filipe Luis are all out of contract.
The report follows on from a similar report in Marca earlier this week, claiming that the strong relationship between the two clubs could be at the heart of the deal.
Super-agent Jorge Mendes represents the central defender, who has already made 77 first-team appearances for the Lisbon-based giants and has been capped nine times by Portugal.
Atleti sporting director Andrea Berta has long prioritised doing business in the Portuguese top flight and the club are also said to be targeting Porto duo Hector Herrera and Alex Telles.
The Europa League holders have successfully bought from Benfica before, signing goalkeeper Jan Oblak for €16m in 2014.
