Manchester City have reportedly identified Villarreal's Pau Torres and Benfica's Ruben Dias as potential signings.
The Premier League champions have struggled defensively this season, with Aymeric Laporte's injury - coupled with Vincent Kompany's summer exit - leaving Pep Guardiola's side short in central defence.
According to The Telegraph, both Torres and Dias, who are viewed as two of the best young defenders in European football, are being watched by the Citizens.
Torres, who is also allegedly a target for Arsenal, has made 19 appearances for the Yellow Submarine during the 2019-20 campaign, including 18 outings in La Liga.
Dias, meanwhile, has been linked with some of Europe's biggest clubs in recent months. Indeed, Manchester United were credited with an interest before signing Harry Maguire during the summer transfer window.
Experienced midfielder Fernandinho has been pressed into action at the back since Laporte's injury, but the Brazilian will see his current deal at the Etihad Stadium expire at the end of the season.