Former Newcastle United manager afa Benitez claims he tried to sign Manchester City defender Ruben Dias while on Tyneside.

The Portuguese centre-back has been a sensation since his move to the North West from Benefica in September 2020 - but the Magpies could have got there first a few years earlier.

Previewing the Champions League Final between Man City and Chelsea for the Times, Benitez says he inquired about Dias but was told he wasn't for sale.

"This is a final between the two sides with the best defensive records in the Premier League.

“Manchester City conceded 32 goals and Chelsea 36 last season.

"When I was in charge of Newcastle United, I had a meeting with Benfica officials in Liverpool.

“We were discussing some players and one name I mentioned was Ruben Dias.

“He was valued at £20million at the time but they did not want to sell him.

“He was a young player and they wanted him to be the new centre back in the first team.

“He has since become an important player for City.

“He can read the game very well and he is good on the ball."