Real Madrid considering 25-year-old Serie A star as successor to Luka Modric - Reports

Real Madrid are reportedly targeting Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella as a potential successor to Los Blancos star Luka Modric.

The La Liga side have had one of the most formidable midfield's in world football over the past few years with the likes of Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro flourishing.

But all three are now reaching the twilight of their careers and Real Madrid are reportedly planning to find their replacements.

According to Fichajes (via The Hard Tackle) they are tracking Inter Milan's Barella, who has been one of Serie A's finest midfielders since joining Nerrazzuri from Cagliari.

The 25-year-old has been a star performer for Simone Ingzaghi's side this season. He has two goals and ten assists in 25 Serie A games thus far.

His impressive performances have seen him earn comparisons and it now appears that Los Blancos are agreeing with the suggestion.

Modric, 35, was at his usual best on Wednesday night as he, alongside Karim Benzema, helped drive Real Madrid during their huge comeback victory over PSG in the UEFA Champions League.

But with the midfielder now 35, there is a feeling around the Santiago Bernabeu that a replacement will be required sooner rather than later.

Ironically, Modric was linked with a move to Inter back in 2020 but remained at Madrid having had huge success since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012.

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Would Nico Barella be a worthy replacement for Luka Modric at Real Madrid?

Barella is one of Serie A's leading midfield talents

A typical box-to-box midfielder, the energetic midfielder is characteristically the driving force for the teams he plays for.

The Italian's goal contributions are vital to an Inter side which also relies on his defensive qualities, and Barella will often help track back in situations where the Serie A giants are facing a counter attack.

He could be of huge benefit to Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who likes midfielders that can work on both sides of the pitch.

However, they are not tracking Barella only as Modric's potential replacement.

The current La Liga leaders are also looking at Rennes' Croatian midfield talent Lovro Majer, who Modric will be familiar with, as well as Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

But it is Barella who out of the three will likely excite the Santiago Bernabeu faithful, having been such a huge influence in Inter's transformation over recent years.

The transfermarkt values the Italian at £63 million with the midfielder having a contract until 2026. He certainly won't come cheap.