Real Madrid reportedly turned down the chance to sign Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax last summer in favour of bringing Eder Militao to the Bernabeu from Porto.
Los Blancos were one of a number of teams linked with De Ligt in last summer's transfer window before it was announced that Juventus had secured the Netherlands international's signature.
Madrid brought Militao to the club from Porto ahead of the 2019-20 campaign, but the Brazil international has struggled to make his mark in the Spanish capital.
According to AS, Zinedine Zidane's side had the option of signing De Ligt but instead opted for Militao, who is already being linked with a move away from the Bernabeu.
De Ligt, meanwhile, has also recently been linked with a summer exit; Manchester United are thought to be considering another attempt to sign the Dutchman, but Juve are allegedly against a sale.
Madrid are currently being linked with a move for RB Leipzig's Dayot Upamecano.
