Manchester City 'forced to change Ruben Dias plans'

Manchester City have reportedly decided against making a move for Ruben Dias in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Having established himself as a key figure in the heart of the Benfica defence this season, Dias has been linked with a number of top European sides.

City are said to be in the market for defensive reinforcements ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, but it appears that a potential move for Dias has been scuppered by the financial implications of the COVID-19 outbreak.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, the 23-year-old's €100m (£89.3m) price tag is more than City are willing to fork out in the current economic climate.

The report claims that Pep Guardiola's side would have been prepared to make Dias the world's most expensive defender before the viral outbreak - which looks set to threaten big-money moves during the upcoming window.

The Citizens have also been linked with Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci as part of a defensive reshuffle.