Real Madrid are plotting a raid on Manchester City with Joao Cancelo and Erling Haaland their primary targets.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Los Blancos are said to be carefully planning a transfer strategy over the next two years that would see both Citizens stars swap Manchester for Madrid.
Cancelo was watched closely by the LaLiga giants during his time at Valencia and his spell with City has proved that the Portuguese full-back is the real deal.
The No7 turns 29 in May and Carlo Ancelotti’s outfit believe this will help bolster their chances of signing him for a lesser fee, despite him being under contract at the Etihad until 2027.
Reports suggest that the 37-cap international would be happy to play for the 14-time Champions League winners and follow in the footsteps of Portugal team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe.
Madrid tried to sign Cancelo’s City colleague Haaland in the summer, but the Norwegian chose to follow his father’s path and play in England.
However, rumours claim the LaLiga champions will return for the former Borussia Dortmund striker in 2024, to replace Karim Benzema.
There is said to be a release clause in Haaland’s contract that becomes active in two years and the player would be open to a move to the Bernabeu.
Haaland’s willingness to leave the Premier League may depend on his success under Pep Guardiola, with the Citizens eager to claim their first Champions League crown in the near future.
In other news
Youri Tielemans is being watched by Juventus, report Calciomercato. The Belgian midfielder is in the final year of his contract at Leicester.
Manchester United are keen on signing Aston Villa shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez in January according to Football Insider.
90min report that Liverpool are weighing up a move for Egypt winger Ibrahim Adel with Arsenal, Brentford, Brighton and Nottingham Forest also scouting the 21-year-old.