Laporte open to joining injury-hit Real Madrid

Al Nassr defender Aymeric Laporte has said he would listen to an approach by Real Madrid.

Injury-hit Madrid are looking to strengthen their defensive line in the January transfer window after Éder Militão tore his ACL in last weekend's 4-0 win against Osasuna, while David Alaba is still recovering from a knee injury.

Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Laporte, who has been playing in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr since August 2023 after joining from Manchester City in a €27.5 million ($28.9m) transfer.

When asked about any potential Madrid interest, Laporte, who is on international duty with Spain, said: "I've read the same things as everybody else.

"It [Madrid's reported interest] sounds good."

When asked whether he would pick up the phone if Madrid called, he said: "Obviously, you don't look down on teams like Real Madrid."

Laporte, who won Euro 2024 with Spain in the summer, has a contract with Al Nassr through June 2026. However, he has reiterated his desire to return to Europe.

"I've said it many times, my idea is to return to Europe," he said. "I went there [to Saudi Arabia] to play football, not to do other things. So far it hasn't been bad for me as while I've been there. I've won a European Championship, which is the most beautiful thing that has happened in my career."

Spain international Pedro Porro has also been linked with Madrid.

"That one of the best clubs in the world notices me means that I'm doing my job well at my club," the Spanish defender said of Madrid's reported interest. "But it's not just my name that is being linked, there are others.

"My friends send me those rumours, but I'm focused on my job, and I cannot be distracted by that."

Porro, whose Spurs contract expires in June 2028, has made 13 appearances across all club competitions this season.