The pressure is growing on Real Madrid outcast Gareth Bale, who has been made the scapegoat for the club’s recent run of poor form. The Welshman has been booed by his own supporters on multiple occasions, and could soon be looking for a swift escape from the Bernabeu.
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Manchester United transfer news
Manchester United are known admirers of the world’s most expensive player, having unsuccessfully tried to sign him from Tottenham Hotspur ahead of his move to the European Champions in 2013.
Despite Madrid president Florentino Perez publicly backing Bale to succeed, a summer revamp could still result in the 25-year-old returning to the Premier League.
The Spanish giants would certainly benefit from a big-money sale, and below we’ve ranked ten players that they could target once a fat United cheque has begun weighing down their pockets…
10) Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund)
The German international midfielder has been widely linked with a move in the upcoming transfer window, and could jump at the opportunity to line up alongside international teammate Toni Kroos.
9) Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon)
Arguably the deadliest striker in Europe right now, the Frenchman has scored 26 goals in 27 games so far this season – firing Lyon to the top of their league table. Madrid need a striker, and would surely love to add him.
8) Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
There are few better defenders around than the German World Cup winner. Their recent defeat at the hands of Schalke showed Madrid have weaknesses at the back, and Hummels could be the perfect solution.
7) Angel di Maria (Manchester United)
Di Maria left Madrid for Manchester United last summer, costing the Red Devils a club record fee of just under £60m. Unfortunately, the Argentine has struggled to settle in England, and could be open to a return.
6) Kevin De Bruyne (Wolfsburg)
The former Chelsea star has been among the best midfield players on the continent so far this season. His performances have inspired his side to second place in the Bundesliga, and brought him to the attention of a number of major clubs.
5) Radamel Falcao (AS Monaco)
Madrid have asked after the Colombian hit-man in the past, and with United looking unlikely to take up the chance of buying him permanently, he could well be available next summer.
4) Paul Pogba (Juventus)
The young Frenchman is undoubtedly one of the best young players on the planet. The dominant midfielder would be a fine addition to Madrid’s armoury, unlike anything they already have.
3) Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
One of the most wanted players in the world, despite having signed a new contract at the club earlier this season. The German international will likely move, and Madrid would be one of the top candidates to take him.
2) David de Gea (Manchester United)
Madrid are thought to be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper, and have shown plenty of interest in United’s Spanish stopper; who is already ranked as one of the finest in the world.
1) Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
The young Liverpool winger is yet to agree to a new contract with the Reds, and could be a surprise mover as early as this summer if Madrid make a suitably high offer. He could be a long-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.