Real Madrid intend to become the dominant force once more in European football by embarking on the mother of all spending sprees.
The Sun says that president Florentino Perez is determined to reclaim the spot as the continent’s premier club after a dismal year in which they saw Liverpool crowned Champions League kings and Barcelona steal the La Liga title.
Talented French trio
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According to the Sun Perez and Real head coach Zinedine Zidane will use the French touch to construct their new dynasty. Real are aiming to convince Zidane’s compatriots Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante and Kylian Mbappe to join the Spanish giants.
Perez has admitted that he has already been in touch with an unnamed Frenchman “but they won’t sell”. According to the Spanish press the player is Chelsea magician Kante.
It’s claimed that Real gaffer Zidane is a “long-term admirer” of Kante ever since the playmaker inspired Leicester City to their stunning Premier League title win in 2016.
Apparently “Zizou” also approves of Kante’s work ethic and believes the midfielder can make a “major difference in the heart of his side”.
Kante conundrum
Chelsea have no intention of selling Kante after seeing Eden Hazard lured to the Bernabeu in the summer but their stance may change if they are successful in overturning their two-window transfer ban.
In that case they may listen to offers, using the £100m-plus transfer fee to reboot Frank Lampard’s squad.
Mbappe targeted
Zidane believes the current Real squad is past its best with Luka Modric and Gareth Bale likely to be moved on between now and June. Sharpshooter Karim Benzema is also the wrong side of 30 and may not last into next season.
The French press says Perez has his heart set on Paris Saint-Germain striker Mbappe and believes he could be the next Cristiano Ronaldo for the next decade both in terms of goals scored and shirts sold.
£179m for Pogba
It was reported earlier this week that Manchester United have told Real Madrid they’ll have to stump up £179m if they wish to sign Paul Pogba.
The Daily Mirror says the Red Devils “won’t indulge in any business with the Madrid giants in the new year unless their valuation of £179m is met”.
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