30 Dec 2019 11:51:13
Hi Ed.
A friend of mine is a Real Madrid-fan and very much enjoys whenever I send him information about which clubs are interested in which players.
I was therefore wondering, if you had the time to write about Real Madrid and the players that they are interested in? I very much understand it if you have not got the time, though!

{Ed002's Note - LB, CB, CM, W/F, F

Diego Carlos (CB) preferred CB replacement for Ramos - €75M single payment required.
Milan Skriniar (CB) seen as a potential amos replacement.
Kalidou Koulibaly (CB) another potential SR replacement.
Ngolo Kante (DM/CM) will chase him if PSG make a bid and Chelsea are open to selling
Eduardo Camavinga (DM/CM) if the player continues his good performances Rennes will look for a summer auction. Serious approaches for Camavinga have been made by Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs, with interest also being shown by Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Genk. A move to England for the kiddie is less likely than a move to Spain because of Work Permit issues. He is a long way from first team material if he steps up in the summer.
Donny van der Beek (CM) primary target but Real Madrid are concerned that the price is being pushed up by the interest of other clubs - it will get to the point where they may stick with Fede Valverde plus perhaps Ruiz.
Fabian Ruiz (CM) is seen by Real Madrid as a replacement for Kroos and/or Modric but is not first choice and Napoli will demand a very significant fee. Barcelona also keen.
Paul Pogba (CM) split opinion about him and club will look to move away unless Manchester United are open to taking players as part of a deal. Money remains an issue unless Bale or another can be included.
Eriksen (AM) an approach by Manchester United may be viable in January – but the player wants Real Madrid and Real Madrid will look to him if space can be made available in the squad - and the preference will be for the summer (but it is something his agent is working on). Juventus also retain an interest but he is not first choice - and their first choice looks unlikely.}
Kylian Mbappe (RW/F) primary target
Mo Salah (RW) is unlikely after kicking his agent out over ridiculous demands on more than one occasion - but player still feels that this might be his best chance to move to Real Madrid - but talks have again happened with Barcelona – I think he will stay at Liverpool.
Jadon Sancho (RW) - option to Mbappe but may not wait until the summer.
Ferran Torres (RW) only 19 and fears for game time - but a very bright prospect.
Neymar (LW/RW) will likely be heading elsewhere.
Raheen Sterling (LW/RW) Real Madrid are still looking at a major revamp and are using Eden Hazard on the LW which was not their plan. They have plans to bring in a specific RW and a couple of alternatives but are likely need to hold on to Asensio who they would rather let move on once fully fit. They have a bunch of senior players they have available for horse trading, particularly Isco and Bale and will look to include them in any deal. I am not aware of any approach for Sterling at this time and it sounds rather speculative, but it is not out of the question.
Erling Haaland (F) will head elsewhere.}

1.) 30 Dec 2019
30 Dec 2019 16:29:44
Thanks a lot, Ed - my friend will surely be very, very happy that you shared your information, and so am I!

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome Emil. There will also the opportunity to buy at the summer fire sale.}

2.) 31 Dec 2019
31 Dec 2019 06:59:17
Could we get a list of possible departures Ed002? Thanks

{Ed002's Note - Dani Carvajal (RB) Odriozola will be first pick going forward and the club are looking to promote from within (Sergio Lopez)
Marcelo (LB)
Sergio Reguilón (LB) will be assessed on return from Sevilla


Jesus Vallejo (CB) will be assessed on return from Wolves
Nacho Fernandez (CB)
Sergio Ramos (CB) maybe will take a couple of years playing elsewhere and then a final year back at Sevilla
Raphael Varane (CB) would be available for a very significant offer but is expected to stay

Casemiro (DM) will likely stay

Toni Kroos (CM) available but expensive
Luka Modric (CM) time has come
Dani Ceballos (CM) want by Milan but again cost may be an issue
Brahim Diaz (CM) will perhaps go on loan

Isco (AM) up in the air still but there is serious interest from Manchester City and Juventus
James Rodriguez (AM) available with Bayern Munich pushing him out - offered to several sides with Napoli showing some interest - could be used in a part exchange or sold
Martin Odegaard (RW/AM) will stay on two year loan with an unusual clause
Lucas Vazquez (RW)
Gareth Bale (W) is available to be sold or used in a part exchange deal but nobody is interested at this time given the asking price - seen as one of the main reasons that the rebuild will take longer than planned as he wants to stay
Vinicius Jr (LW) It has not been working out well for the player in Spain and Wolves have shown an interest in him but he would only be a second string to Diego Jota - and the asking price (circa €60M - although they may accept less) is seen as high. Arsenal have been approached but with Saka emerging on the left it is the issue of Pepe on the right and Aubameyangadingdong in the centre or left that needs the most consideration - but he shares and agent with Martinelli so there may be a discussion. Chelsea have also been approached as he would provide an option to Hudson-Odoi on the left allowing Pulisic to move to his more natural right side. Others have been approached but none would be in a position to look for more than a loan and Real Madrid need players gone to continue their rebuild.
Marco Asensio (AM/LW) interest from Inter and was offered as part of a deal with an English side but the player has said he does not want to leave and that is also the position of Florentino Perez – serious knee injury so expect him to stay
Karim Benzema (S) signed a new contract but is available – being pushed toward Lyon and PSG has an interest - and he could be used in a deal for Mbappe.
Mariano Diaz (S) wanted by Milan – but money is an issue

3.) 12 Jan 2020
12 Jan 2020 18:35:25
You mention Neymar is 'likely heading elsewhere' Ed002, any chance you could tell us where please?

{Ed002's Note - Barcelona.}