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Real Madrid had already suffered one of their worst ever starts to a season, and things only got worse during a huge 5-1 defeat to rivals Barcelona. Julen Lopetegui is set to be fired as coach after just months in charge and reports have heavily suggested that Antonio Conte is about to be appointed as Madrid manager.
Real Madrid have drastically limited their spending over the last few years, a major change from the 'Galactico' days. The new approach has, of course, resulted in unprecedented European success, however, the squad is now lacking in depth and the current team feels stale. Due to this, new signings are likely to come quickly over the next two transfer windows and we are likely to see a number of big names land in Madrid.
Here are five of the players that we expect to see playing under Antonio Conte in the white of Madrid.
#4 Mauro Icardi
Real Madrid are in desperate need of a striker to replace the misfiring Karim Benzema, and after years of rumours, Conte may finally urge the club to make a move for the Argentine. Antonio Conte has always used a striker as a focal point of his teams, and he, of course, signed both Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata during his final year in London.
Conte is familiar with the Inter Milan captain due to his time in Italy, and the striker will not cost the type of fee that a Neymar of Hazard would cost. The 25-year-old's pace and movement should allow him to seemingly fit into Conte's new side, so this looks to be a likely transfer.
#3 Marcos Alonso
Marcos Alonso only signed a new Chelsea contract last week, however, this means very little in the modern game of football. The Spaniard thrived under Conte's leadership in London, and he was a player that developed rapidly under the Italians guidance.
The 27-year-old is also a Madrid native, graduating from the team's famous academy in 2008, and featuring once for the first team in 2009. Longtime left-back Marcelo has recently been linked with a move to Juventus, and if the Brazilian was to move on, Madrid would almost certainly look to sign a replacement. The history between the player, coach and club make a summer transfer look incredibly likely.
#2 Neymar
Real Madrid are in desperate need of a new star to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar reportedly wants to return to Spain. It seems like a perfect match, and not even Neymar's links to Barcelona should complicate the deal.
If Neymar was to replace the Portuguese forward as Madrid's new main man, it would almost certainly take a world record fee, and PSG are likely to play hardball over the Brazilian. Ultimately, Madrid will go all in to get their man, however, the deal will be dependent on Madrid's ability to meet the astronomical fee that PSG will ask for.
#1 Eden Hazard
Antonio Conte and Eden Hazard have recent history thanks to their respective spells with Chelsea. During their two years together in London, the two were rumoured to have a strained relationship, however, Hazard has refuted these claims and stated that he was happy to play under the Italian.
Conte is well aware of Hazard's talents and the manager's appointment may further strengthen the desire at Madrid to sign the Belgian winger. With the pair proven to be compatible together, Conte's familiar face at Madrid may finally convince Hazard to make the move to the club that he has always dreamed of playing for.
