We are now a few days into the January transfer window and speculation has already been intense over whether Real Madrid will strengthen.
Club president Florentino Perez revealed recently that boss Zinedine Zidane has a blank chequebook in which to lavish big funds this month, with up to three signings being touted as incomings.
However, it remains to be seen just who Los Blancos will bring in.
Real are 14 points adrift of La Liga table-toppers and arch rivals Barcelona, while their ability to defend their Champions League crown will come under serious scrutiny during the upcoming second round clash with Paris Saint-Germain, beginning next month.
Here, we look at six big-name players the Spanish side could turn to in the window.
Los Blancos have made no secret that they are looking to add firepower to an attack which has been all too-reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo, with neither he or Karim Benzema, enjoying their best seasons – in La Liga at least.
Equally, Bayern Munich hitman Lewandowski has mentioned in the past that it is his dream to play for the Bernabeu side, and at 29, he may not have too many more chances to make the move.
For all parties, it could make sense for the German giants to cash in on their leading marksman – who has been banging in the goals frequently this term – for a big fee.
While he is still contracted to the Bundesliga outfit until 2021 – the length of his current deal shouldn’t be a problem if Real choose to sign him for a fee of £60m. Manchester City are also interested but Real could well and truly land the Pole with an offer this month.
The only negative is the fact he’s cup-tied in the Champions League but his addition would provide Madrid with welcome goals to kick-start their 2018 in the right way after a difficult start to the season.
RATING – 8/10
Lewandowski has apparently already started learning Spanish.
Heralded as Juventus‘ next Alessandro Del Piero, Paulo Dybala’s apparent decline in form in the latter part of 2017 has raised question marks over his long-term future.
Indeed, so much so that both Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly already contacted the player’s representatives.
But, like with the Lewandowski case, if the 24-year-old Argentine was to leave Turin – then Real Madrid is likely to be his preferred destination.
Dybala is Serie A’s top goalscorer this term and has all the attributes to become a long-term replacement for Benzema, and certainly grow into a role to fill the void that will be left by Ronaldo in a few seasons’ time.
Despite a rough patch on the pitch, Dybala is only set to get better and that is good news for both Juve and Madrid.
A move in January may perhaps come too soon as the Old Lady don’t need to let their star man leave, that said, Real could test Juve’s resistance with a bid.
It’s a transfer to watch.
RATING – 7/10
The prospect of Juventus now not selling Dybala is not unthinkable.
While the future of Keylor Navas has been speculated for some time, the Costa Rican has been an excellent servant for Madrid during the past two trophy-laden years.
But, the Whites are desperate to sign a new goalkeeper and Chelsea star Courtois is at the top of their list, with David de Gea seemingly out of reach for the time being.
The Belgian’s family still reside in Madrid following his stint at Atletico and the 25-year-old’s big-game experience is more attractive to Zidane’s side, than taking a gamble on hot prospect Kepa Arrizabalaga, of Athletic Bilbao.
Reports have revealed Courtois is keen to return to Spain and he would be an excellent addition for Madrid, if they can prise him away from Chelsea.
It’s a transfer not to rule out this month.
RATING – 6/10
Courtois is in his fourth full season at Stamford Bridge.
Another Chelsea man, and Belgian, who has often been touted as a player with Galactico status.
The diminutive playmaker has been in fine form in each of the past two seasons and was the Blues’ star man last term as Antonio Conte’s side wrapped up the Premier League title.
Hazard, 26, would not come cheap whatsoever and Chelsea would hold out for at least £120m for the attacker.
Real could test Hazard’s loyalty to the west London club with a bid in the window but Conte is unlikely to allow his key player to leave at a time when his job will be dependent on how well they perform in the Champions League, as well as their final finishing position in the league.
Reports circulating that Gareth Bale could be used as a makeweight in the deal, do however, seem wide of the mark.
RATING – 5/10
Hazard has netted eight goals in 25 appearances in all competitions this term.
Yet another striker who Real Madrid have had their eyes on for some time.
The talismanic Inter Milan captain would be a coup for Los Blancos and with a reported release clause in the region of £97m, is well within in reach.
Icardi has let it be known that he is interested in a move to Manchester United and the Argentine has plunged further doubt over his future by not signing a new deal with the Nerazzurri.
It means, the 24-year-old is likely to end his five-season stay at the San Siro this year – and Real will be hoping they can pip the Red Devils to his signature by bidding for his services this month.
The in-form hitman is just the kind of direct striker Madrid need and is crucially not cup-tied, meaning he is eligible for the Champions League.
RATING – 8/10
Icardi has scored 17 goals in 19 Serie A matches in 2017-18.
The Brazilian’s Chelsea future hangs very much in the balance and he is likely to leave Stamford Bridge this month.
It follows a tough couple of months for the centre-back, amid reports of a fall-out with Conte, being dropped from the first-team picture after the 3-0 Champions League reverse to Roma and picking up a knee injury.
Indeed, if Luiz was to leave the blues for the second time, then it would be a sad way to end his time with the club – just a season and a half after rejoining from Paris Saint-Germain.
In no uncertain terms, Luiz has been told he can leave which has left the door wide open to a switch to La Liga.
Real are looking to bring in defensive reinforcements in the centre of defence following a catalogue of injury and suspension problems, and the the 30-year-old’s experience would fit the bill.
It is highly likely the Whites could come in with a low offer this January to test how quickly Chelsea are willing to cash in on the defender.
RATING – 7/10
Luiz hasn’t figured in a Chelsea shirt since November.