Real Madrid are undergoing a major transformation this summer under new manager Xabi Alonso.
With Carlo Ancelotti gone, the former Bayer Leverkusen manager and Real Madrid midfielder was brought back to manage his old club, hoping to extend their record of league titles to 37.
Already this summer Los Blancos have made some major statement signings to show they mean business under Alonso.
Former Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold was brought in alongside Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen and former Manchester United left-back Alvaro Carreras to remodel the defence.
In attack, Madrid beat United to the signing of Franco Mastantuono from River Plate, bringing the talented 18-year-old winger to Europe.
However, Madrid aren’t finished just yet, with the club now targeting another one of Manchester United’s shortlist.
Spanish publication AS has reported that Alonso’s side are now looking at Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace to strengthen their midfield.
Last season Wharton was a key part of the Palace squad which drove them to winning their first ever major trophy with their FA Cup victory over Manchester City, sealing a spot for them in Europe.
As such, Madrid are now monitoring Wharton having a gap in midfield after Luka Modric left for AC Milan.
However, Crystal Palace’s £70 million price tag on their star midfielder is a stumbling block for the LaLiga giants, especially after spending a combined £154 million on Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, Carreras and Mastantuono.
This is also the major barrier for Manchester United who are looking to Wharton to strengthen their midfield after the departure of Christian Eriksen and veteran Casemiro entering the final year of his contract.
Similarly to United, Madrid now need to make major sales to be able to make any new signings in the final week and a half of the transfer window.
