Roma defender Kostas Manolas is reluctant to be drawn on reports suggesting that he is a transfer target for Real Madrid.
The most recent window saw several performers, across all areas of the field, linked with big-money moves to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Among those reported to have figured on Real’s radar was Manolas, with the 27-year-old centre-half having proved himself over four years in Italy.
The Blancos are already well-stocked at the heart of their back four, with Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane two of the best in the business, but reinforcements are always welcome.
Manolas, though, is staying tight-lipped when it comes to his chances of one day making a switch to the Spanish capital.
He told Marca of the rumours ahead of a Champions League meeting with the Blancos on Wednesday: “I haven't spoken to anyone about Real Madrid. I don't know what I can say. People can say a lot of things but I haven't.”
It could be that Real rekindle their interest at a later date, especially with Varane continuing to be linked with leading sides across Europe.
Manolas is, however, unwilling to speculate on whether he could be targeted.
He added: “I don't know. I can't say that myself. I am a competitive player and I like to give everything. That I can say.”
While Manolas is eager to avoid being drawn into a debate regarding a possible move away from Roma, he is prepared to pick a player from Real that he would like in Italy.
When that question was put to him, he said: “All of their players could play for Roma. It's normal.
“[Luka] Modric or Sergio Ramos, who for me is the best defender in the world and it would be a pleasure to play by his side.”
Manolas joined Roma from Olympiakos in the summer of 2014.
He has made 175 appearances for the club to date, but is still waiting on a first piece of silverware.