3 cheaper options Real Madrid can target instead of Eden Hazard

With the World Cup coming to an end, the football world has once again fixed its eyes on the ever-entertaining transfer window.

Real Madrid have already dealt a huge blow this summer after allowing star talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to join Juventus. They are currently scouring the market for an apt replacement and the name Eden Hazard is said to be topping Florentino Perez's wish-list.

Latest reports in the rumour mill have stated that the Belgian playmaker is set to join the Spanish giants in a £170 million deal.

While Hazard's ability as a world-class footballer is far from being doubted, Real Madrid could still replace Ronaldo with a player who will cost far less than the Chelsea star.

That being said, here are 3 players who could come at a lower and a more affordable price as a Ronaldo's replacement to the Bernabeu.

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#3 Anthony Martial

Anthony Martial is yet to extend his contract with Manchester United

Anthony Martial is the most inexperienced man on this list. The Frenchman has failed to book a starting berth for himself at Manchester United, biding his time on the sidelines for most of the season. That's precisely why he also missed out on France's 23-man squad in their World Cup-winning campaign.

However, Martial has shown that he has a plethora of potential to be unleashed, only if he gets ample minutes on the pitch. Being the successor to Cristiano Ronaldo might be an uphill task, but his set of skills are good enough for him to be considered as one.

The Frenchman's future at United has been in jeopardy for the last couple of months. Even though the club and manager Jose Mourinho have hinted at Martial staying put, there has been no concrete news of a contract extension yet.

Should he fail to put pen to paper at Old Trafford, United will be forced to sell him this summer. He could even cost below his €65 million price tag according to Transfermarkt.

The lack of experience might be a concern for Los Blancos, but they should also consider the fact that Anthony Martial would be a long-term replacement for Ronaldo since he is just 22. All he requires is game time and if Lopetegui can afford him that, why, the Frenchman will definitely be one of the players to watch in the times to come.

#2 Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane recently inherited the number 10 shirt at Liverpool

As much as Mohamed Salah grabbed the headlines last season, Senegalese wideman Sadio Mane too got a share of the limelight for his explosive pace and his invaluable contribution in the club's road to the Champions League final last season.

Real Madrid do not need any special introduction of how devastating Mane can be; the Liverpool man scored the equalizer in the UCL final and continuously caused problems on the left with his lightning speed. Just imagine if Madrid snap him up from Liverpool, a Bale-Mane partnership on the flanks could still keep the club has major contenders for every title they contest for.

Zinedine Zidane was reportedly confident of singing Sadio Mane before his departure, but the interest has cooled since then. However, it will be profitable should Julen Lopetegui opt for the winger who has been valued at €70 million.

Although it's imprudent to think that Liverpool let their man go for anything less than €100 million, the 26-year-old will come at a price far cheaper than Eden Hazard. It remains to be seen if Los Blancos will consider him as the man fit to fill CR7's boots at the capital.

#1 Ivan Perisic

Ivan Perisic was one of the stand-out performers at the World Cup

Croatia stunned the entire world by making it to the finals of the World Cup 2018. While Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic grabbed headlines for their eye-catching displays, Inter winger Ivan Perisic wasn't far behind them as one of the chief performers for his country.

With 3 goals and 1 assist in Russia, Perisic played a massive part in his country's road to the finals. His performance against England was the most crucial of all, as he scored the equalizer and later set up Mario MandUkic's extra-time winner.

The interesting thing is, there's only one club who are reportedly interested in his services; Manchester United are currently chasing the 29-year-old without competition.

According to Transfermarkt, the Croatian is currently valued at €45 million in the market. He would be a steal for any club that he signs for, and definitely a bargain for Real Madrid over Eden Hazard.