- Real Madrid have experienced a difficult start to the season
- Up to eight players could be set for the axe
- Zidane will have a major squad overhaul if plan goes through
- READ MORE: Real Madrid tension rising, Zidane demands more of key man after rumours of unrest
Some may argue that this is a panic suggestion after a poor start to the season, but Real Madrid are reportedly considering a huge shake-up.
The reigning Spanish and European champions have fallen 10 points behind rivals Barcelona in the race for the La Liga title, while they managed to take just one point from two meetings with Tottenham as they look set to miss out on top spot in Group H in the Champions League.
In turn, with several key figures not playing at their best including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, while Gareth Bale is sidelined with an injury yet again, there are problems for Zinedine Zidane to sort out.
One of the solutions that few would come up with is a major reshuffle of his squad, as this is predominantly the same group that won the Spanish title and Champions League last season, minus Alvaro Morata and James Rodriguez.
According to Diario Gol, up to eight players could face the chop at Real Madrid next year, and there’s one name that will peak Man Utd’s interest while another will shock many.
The list is said to be made up of Lucas Vazquez, Dani Ceballos, Marcos Llorente, Kiko Casilla, Achraf Hakimi, Jesus Vallejo, Gareth Bale and Luka Modric.
The younger individuals in that group are likely to be a mixture of loan exits rather than all permanent as Madrid will surely still have faith in them to take their game to the next level.
However, with his aforementioned injury problems, it’s not a great surprise to see Bale up for grabs, with the Metro reporting that United are expected to launch a third bid for the Welshman next year while the report also reinforces the suggestion that Los Blancos are ready to sell.
The biggest shock in that list without doubt though is Modric, with the Croatian stalwart being a pivotal part of Madrid’s midfield since 2012, making 228 appearances for the club in all competitions.
At 32 years of age, he’ll need to be replaced eventually. However, for now, it would be a major surprise to see him allowed to leave the Bernabeu as he surely has plenty left in the tank yet.