Real Madrid eye England international duo as midfield options
Real Madrid’s midfield is entering a new chapter following Luka Modric's switch to AC Milan following the expiration of his contract.
The Spanish giants saw Toni Kroos retire in 2024, and Modric's departure signals a changing of the guard, as Xabi Alonso plans for the long-term.
The club have spent heavily on new defenders this summer, but they are yet to bring in a central midfielder to bolster their weakened engine room in Madrid.
Alonso has identified the need for a deeper midfielder, who can provide defensive cover alongside a playmaking role, to ease the void created by Kroos and Modric's exits.
The FIFA Club World Cup was used as a testing ground by Alonso, with Arda Guler impressing with his creativity in a central spot, but the coaching staff are unconvinced he can step up straight away.
Real Madrid eye Premier League midfield duo
According to Defensa Central, Alonso has now turned his attention to the Premier League and is closely monitoring Manchester United's 20-year-old schemer Kobbie Mainoo and Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton.
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Despite their respective lack of experience, both players have shown the technical quality to develop into stars at the highest level, with neither playing in Europe in 2025/26.
According to the same report, Los Blancos are targeting a signing in the near future and the England international duo have impressed their scouts, but they are 'yet to stand out enough to integrate into Europe's elite'.
Real Madrid’s scouting department will continue to keep a close eye on both players in the coming months.
Any potential offer will not be straightforward, with United keen to retain Mainoo, with an update from GiveMeSport claiming the Red Devils recently rejected approaches from Tottenham.
Crystal Palace are also determined to keep Wharton and they could demand a fee in excess of £100m [$132m] to consider a sale at Selhurst Park.