5 potential replacements for Gareth Bale at Real Madrid

Real Madrid aren't exactly having the time of their lives, are they? Los Blancos have fallen from grace and look far from the imperious best they were at in the past two seasons.

Their fearsome frontline that oozed goals once has dried up and the club has been linked with several high-profile stars to replace the old guard at the Bernabeu.

Of all the problems that are haunting Real Madrid right now, Gareth Bale probably tops the list. As days have passed by, Real Madrid have grown increasingly frustrated with the Welshman's case and are looking for a definite solution to the problems.

Bale has undoubtedly delivered when given the chance, but a series of injuries are the reason why Los Blancos seem fed up with their star man. And, with the club well known for their impatient nature with underperformers, the 28-year-old will find himself exiled sooner than later.

Should that happen, here are five players that can replace the Welshman and usher another Galactico era at the capital

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#5 Ciro Immobile

Ciro Immobile has been in red-hot form for Lazio this season

Ciro Immobile's meteoric rise in Italy hasn't gone unnoticed in Europe. And, it won't be surprising to see if he becomes the hottest transfer target in Europe next summer.

Usually deployed as a forward, Immobile is ambidextrous and can play anywhere up front. Plus, he is also known for his defensive contribution and pressing style of play.

The Italian has already netted 26 times out of 24 games in all competitions and is running as the top contender for the Capocannoniere this season.

Real Madrid will certainly find competition in bringing him to the Bernabeu, but their history will definitely give them an upper hand, should they decide to line up for the Italian's signature.

#4 Alexis Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez is intent on leaving Arsenal

Arsenal contract rebel Alexis Sanchez has been attracting interest from a host of clubs, with Manchester City and Bayern Munich leading the line for his signature.

A versatile player capable of playing in various positions, Alexis Sanchez is mainly known for his terrific energy, work-rate and ability to create chances for his teammates.

The Chilean is adamant on leaving the Emirates and the Gunners will be willing to offload him this January, lest they lose him for free next summer. Manchester City have been the first to make a move for the player's transfer this month, after having a deadline day move rejected for him last summer.

The hurdle is, the Citizens are close to snapping him up. But, Arsenal's rumoured interest in Lucas Vazquez can certainly help Florentino Perez in bringing the ex-Barcelona man to the Bernabeu.

#3 Mohamed Salah

Mohammed Salah has taken the Premier League by storm

Mohamed Salah has the world at his feet at the moment, thanks to his swashbuckling performances for Liverpool this season. A number of heavyweights will surely be lining up mega-money moves for the Egyptian in the coming summer.

Of all the players on this list, Salah gets the closest to Gareth Bale in terms of style of play. The Egyptian boasts blistering pace and flair which he uses to beat the defenders, playing on the right, much like the Welshman himself. Added to that, Salah has a keen eye for goal, having scored 24 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions. He is currently involved in a tussle with Harry Kane for this season's Premier League Golden Boot.

The problem is, Liverpool will be fighting tooth and nail to keep their star, having lost Coutinho to Barcelona this winter. But, by flexing their financial muscle, Real Madrid always get the players they desire, don't they?

#2 Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard has been linked to Chelsea for months now

The Eden Hazard to Real Madrid saga has been going on for months now, and the coming summer will be the appropriate time for Zinedine Zidane to put an end to it.

The Belgian has always been rated amongst the top five players of this generation and is on course to becoming a modern-day legend. He is an explosive attacking package and almost unplayable at the height of his powers. He is mostly seen as the successor to Real Madrid kingpin Cristiano Ronaldo than as a successor to Gareth Bale.

Nonetheless, his two-footedness will allow him to be the obvious choice between himself and the Welshman. Added to that, Hazard is very less prone to injuries in contrast to Bale.

Signing him certainly means emptying a certain amount of coffers for Florentino Perez because Chelsea will demand a fee more or less equal to the one PSG paid for Neymar. But, taking their financial muscle into consideration, will that really a problem for the Spanish giants?

#1 Neymar

Can Real Madrid sign Neymar?

The question is, will it ever happen?

It seems absurd that Paris Saint-Germain will let their star man leave after just a single season in France, but the frequency with which the reports of his unhappiness at the club have been flooding in, you can't help but think of the possibility of this move.

Just six months after the transfer, reports have started circulating that Neymar is set to Real Madrid. A move to the arch-rivals will surely offend Barca fans, but will he care about it when the filthy rich Los Merengues come calling?

The Brazilian has notched 19 goals and 12 assists in 21 overall appearances for Les Parisiens this season and could prove to be the ultimate solution for the underfiring Real Madrid. He could easily prove to be the required missing ingredient and the catalyst to the club's revival of form.

PSG will no doubt demand the equal amount of fortune they spent in signing him, but with the Selecao star oozing performances worthy of winning a Ballon d'Or, it doesn't look like Florentino Perez will hesitate in splashing the cash. The move does seem to be an uphill task to materialise, albeit definitely not an impossible one.