Real Madrid have rejected Carlo Ancelotti's transfer request for this summer - much to the Italian's frustration.
The European and Spanish champions finally secured the services of Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer, while Brazil sensation Endrick was officially unveiled as a Real player last week.
Real did also sign unlikely Champions League semi final hero Joselu, only to offload him to Qatari outfit Al Gharafa a day later.
But Ancelotti's priority signing going into the new campaign is set to be denied by the club.
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According to The Athletic, Ancelotti desperately wants a new centre-back and has asked for a new arrival.
Yet he is unlikely to have his call answered, even with captain Nacho Fernandez departing for Saudi Arabia side Al Qadsiah.
Real were unsuccessful in their efforts to sign 18-year-old Leny Yoro, who instead moved to Manchester United in a £52 million switch.
Los Blancos now look a little light in the position, with Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger their only recognised fit centre-backs.
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David Alaba is still on the sidelines recovering from an ACL injury that required surgery in December, while Jesus Vallejo is injured at the moment.
France international Aurelien Tchouameni has proved he can deputise in the backline and his versatility will be needed yet again.
The dilemma Ancelotti has is the fact that of all the central defenders, only Rudiger can play on the left side and even he prefers to play on the right.
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Real did go into the summer wanting a new centre-back but with not too many appealing options, are unlikely to look for one unless an outstanding candidate emerges.
The club have told Ancelotti that they have faith in his ability to adapt for the time-being but will analyse the situation again when Alaba returns from his lengthy lay-off.
Topics: Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, Kylian Mbappe
Josh Lawless