According to reports, Manchester United looked at Santiago Bernabeu for a third summer in a row to add players to their roster, but Real Madrid turned them down this time.

The Red Devils, who had already signed Raphael Varane and Casemiro from Los Blancos for the years 2021 and 2022, respectively, looked into the possibility of bringing Antonio Rudiger into their team this summer, according to Nacional.

The departure of either Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof would determine whether Erik ten Hag would sign a new center-back, as the position is not seen as a top priority.

Claims from the Spanish outlet, however, imply that United was very keen to sign the German defender.

Rudiger made 26 starts in La Liga despite arriving in the Spanish capital only last summer on a free transfer from Chelsea. On the surface, this appears to be okay, but Carlo Ancelotti’s lineup decisions in significant games last season suggested the 30-year-old only accrued these starts as a result of David Alaba and Éder Militio’s injuries at various points in the season. Both were regarded by the seasoned coach as the starting center-back pairing when they were healthy.

Rudiger was given the go-ahead to start the first leg of the Champions League semifinals against Manchester City because Militio was suspended. In the 1-1 home draw with Erling Haaland, he performed admirably. He was put on the bench, though, after the Brazilian was given the all-clear to play.

This argument, according to the Catalan source, was used by United to persuade Rudiger to transfer to Old Trafford by promising him an untouchable position in Ten Hag’s side.

The Premier League powerhouses also suggested giving the former Chelsea star, who already earns in the neighbourhood of £315,000 per week and is one of the highest-paid centre backs in Europe, a pay raise.

Additionally, United allegedly intended to make a 60 million euro (£51.2 million) offer to persuade Florentino Perez, the president of Real, to sell them another one of his star players. The English giants were forced to look elsewhere when Perez rejected their approach.