Rafael Benitez has told The Times that he wanted to sign Ruben Dias for Newcastle United before he made the move to Manchester City.
Benitez has said that when he was in charge of Newcastle, he held talks with Benfica over signing some players.
Dias was one of the players Benitez wanted to bring to Newcastle, but Benfica did not want to let him leave.
Benitez told The Times: “When I was in charge of Newcastle United, I had a meeting with Benfica officials in Liverpool.
“We were discussing some players and one name I mentioned was Rúben Dias. He was valued at £20 million at the time, but they did not want to sell him.
“He was a young player and they wanted him to be the new centre back in the first team. He has since become an important player for City. He can read the game very well and he is good on the ball.”
Dias is one of the best central defenders in the Premier League.
In fact, you could argue that the 24-year-old central defender has been the best player in England this season.
The Portugal international joined City from Benfica last summer.
The 24-year-old is a strong and capable centre-back who is good on the ball and has an amazing passing range.
It would have been a coup for Newcastle if they had signed Dias.
However, Benfica did right not to sell the 24-year-old at the time.
After all, City paid £65 million to Benfica for Dias last summer.
City won the Premier League title this season and will take on Chelsea in the final of the Champions League tonight.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
