Real Madrid clear-out: The ten players Zidane & Perez could offload in 2016, with Man United target

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Florentino Perez’s decision to axe Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez and replace him with club legend Zinedine Zidane [BBC Sport] could have a seismic effect on the Merengues squad in 2016.

According to Fichajes [via Bleacher Report], the two power-brokers at the club—Perez and Zidane—are planning wholesale changes at the Bernabeu over the coming months, with the president already making his designs on the Real squad ahead of the decision to jettison Benitez.

The source names nine players whose places are under threat at the club, and it would be little surprise if all of those listed by there reports are cast away from the capital during a “major summer clear-out” [again Fichajes via Bleacher Report].

Cristiano Ronaldo has heavily been linked with a move away from the club, with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain just two big-name teams understood to be keen on the forward [Daily Star].

Similarly, the report notes that Karim Benzema—who’s provoked Perez’s ire following his off-field controversies [Sport via Le 10 Sport]—Sergio Ramos and Toni Kroos are the other big-name players to be axed.

Jese Rodriguez has also been tipped for the departure lounge according to the Spanish report, while Isco and Keylor Navas [both linked to Manchester City, the former via The Guardian and the latter via ZDF via Le 10 Sport], and Denis Cheryshev [linked to Liverpool, Fichajes via the Metro] will also be shown the exit door.

Finally, World Cup-winning defender Alvaro Arbeloa will be released at the end of his contract.

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While Fichajes [via Bleacher Report] have identified nine players who could leave, don’t be surprised to see that number increased to 10 with Gareth Bale heavily linked to the exit door.

The Daily Mail have reported that the Welshman is unhappy with Perez’s decision to offload Benitez, and his unease may provide United with a window of opportunity to swoop in and sign the forward.

More Stories Cristiano Ronaldo Florentino Perez Gareth Bale Zinedine Zidane