'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Real Madrid will face Mallorca in La Liga on Monday. Los Blancos are leading the league standings and could go ten points clear of second-placed Sevilla with a win on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Merengues are battling Manchester City for a Leicester City star. Elsewhere, Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti has his eyes on a Juventus defender.
On that note, here’s a look at the key Real Madrid transfer stories as on 13th March 2022:
Real Madrid battling Manchester City for Youri Tielemans
Real Madrid are locked in battle with Manchester City for Youri Tielemans, according to The Hard Tackle via Fichajes. The Belgian midfielder has been the star of the show at Leicester City. So La Liga giants Madrid are planning to bring him to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
Tielemans has improved by leaps and bounds since joining the Foxes from Monaco. The 24-year-old has been one of the standout performers at the King Power Stadium. He is already among the finest midfielders in the Premier League right now. The Belgian has managed to hold his own amid a turbulent season for Leicester, registering seven goals and three assists in 34 games across competitions.
His performances have not skipped the attention of Los Blancos, who are expected to strengthen their midfield this summer. Ancelotti wants to bring in fresh blood to ease the pressure off the ageing pair of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. The two midfielders have been outstanding for the Spanish giants for a while.
However, both Modric and Kroos are headed towards the tail end of their illustrious careers, so it is wise to lay down succession plans. Moreover, Isco and Dani Ceballos are likely to leave the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season. Real Madrid believe Tielemans’ arrival could address the situation. However, the La Liga giants could face competition from Manchester City for the Belgian’s signature.
The reigning Premier League champions want a new face in midfield amid the speculation surrounding Bernardo Silva’s future. With Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan also on the wrong side of 30, Tielemans could usher in a new era at the Etihad.
The Cityzens are willing to offer €40 million for the 24-year-old. However, Los Blancos remain eager to beat the Premier League side in the race for the Belgian. Tielemans prefers a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, and a deal could be completed for €50 million.
Los Blancos interested in Merih Demiral
Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Merih Demiral, according to The Hard Tackle via Calciomercato.
The Turkish defender joined Juventus in the summer of 2019 but failed to break into the first team. He eventually joined Atalanta on loan last summer and has resurrected his career since then. The 24-year-old has helped La Dea deal with the departure of Cristian Romero and has been a constant feature in their backline, making 29 appearances this season.
Demiral’s recent rise has caught the attention of Los Blancos. Atalanta have a €28 million option to sign him permanently at the end of the summer.
However, La Liga giants Madrid are plotting to hijack the deal. Ancelotti is eager to add more defensive cover to his squad and believes the 24-year-old could thrive at the Santiago Bernabeu.
No contract talks for Luka Modric yet
Real Madrid are yet to initiate negotiations to extend Luka Modric’s contract, according to Marca.
The Croatian midfielder continues to operate at the peak of his powers, despite the fact that he will turn 37 this September. Modric has been indispensable for the La Liga giants this season and inspired a fabulous comeback win over PSG in midweek in the UEFA Champions League. He has played 32 times this season.
However, the Croatian’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign. Los Blancos have a verbal agreement to extend the 36-year-old’s stay at the Santiago Bernabeu but are yet to offer a concrete proposal. Modric will not be short of options if he decides to leave, with clubs around Europe monitoring his situation with interest.
