Five big names on Real’s January wish list.
With a number of Real Madrid fans in discontent following the sales of big names such as Angel Di Maria and Xabi Alonso this summer, not to mention the departure of key player Mesut Ozil to Arsenal last year, the Spanish giants are under growing pressure to bring in more Galacticos this January.
SEE MORE:
Yaya Toure Real Madrid
Juan Mata transfer
Marco Reus Real Madrid
Real president Fiorentino Perez is not shy of opening up his chequebook for the right player, and CaughtOffside understands there could be as many as five main targets ready to come into the Bernabeu midway through the season, particularly if current results do not improve.
Two Premier League stars feature, as do two big names of the Bundesliga who have also been linked with a host of other top clubs around Europe.
The full list is as follows:
5) Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
One of the biggest names in the Premier League at the moment, Yaya Toure is one of the most high-profile transfer targets believed to be on Madrid’s radar this January, with Carlo Ancelotti in urgent need of new signings in midfield. With Xabi Alonso joining Bayern Munich late on in the summer transfer window and Sami Khedira possibly set to leave for free at the end of his contract next year, Toure could be an ideal addition to this squad, and he could be available after causing some trouble over the summer when making a fuss over City failing to adequately celebrate his birthday.
SEE ALSO: best Premier League players 2014/15
4) Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain)
A highly promising youngster, Paris Saint-Germain’s creative midfield starlet is also known to be a long-time target of Carlo Ancelotti, who worked with him during his reign in charge of the Ligue 1 giants. The 21-year-old is also attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, but may be unable to turn down the glamour and prestige of a move to the Bernabeu. PSG are also in need of player sales in the near future and could benefit from bringing in around £30m for the sale of Verratti in order to ensure they keep up with Financial Fair Play to make more signings next summer.
3) Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
With Real’s defence looking suspect after a recent 4-2 defeat to Real Sociedad, Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels is firmly in the club’s transfer plans for January after establishing himself as one of the best players in the world in his position in recent years. The likes of Manchester United and Barcelona have also been tracking the rock-solid German international for some time, but Real certainly have the financial power behind them to beat their rivals to his signature if they do step up their interest in him this winter.
2) Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
One of the best attacking midfielders in the world, recent reports have suggested that Real Madrid may already have a verbal agreement in place to sign another Borussia Dortmund star in Marco Reus. The German playmaker is a superb talent and has also attracted the interest of big names such as Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City in recent times, though he could be an ideal replacement for Angel Di Maria at the Bernabeu.
1) Juan Mata (Manchester United)
With Di Maria moving to United towards the end of this summer, Juan Mata’s place in Louis van Gaal’s place is now said to be under threat, leading to strong interest from Juventus for when the transfer window re-opens in January. The former Chelsea man has not quite found his best form since moving to Old Trafford earlier this year, but could relish the opportunity to return to his native Spain and play for La Liga’s biggest and most famous club. There’s no doubt Mata could make a big difference to Real’s performances if he regains his best form, and he may be available for a reasonable price of just £35m.