Manchester City saw off competition from the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Juventus for defender Ruben Dias, according to ESPN‘s Rob Dawson:

United determined to get a winger in before the deadline. Sancho still first choice but club also working on Dembele and Lucas Ocampos. Clock ticking https://t.co/QfHuIhkgUc @ESPNFC

— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) October 2, 2020

The Citizens secured the signing of the Portuguese international from Benfica for £62m earlier this week but it appears there were a host of clubs who were interested in taking the centre-back.

Dias was one of a number of defenders that City considered, but moves for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez proved to be too costly. Sevilla also confirmed that they turned down an offer for Jules Kounde, demonstrating the extent of the club’s search for a new centre-half.

Whether they have made the right choice in snapping up Dias, it remains to be seen. He is only 23 years of age so he has room to develop his game, and he is a leader after having captained Benfica, so the signs are good that he’ll be a success in England.