La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid reportedly aim to beat Manchester City to the signature of Youri Tielemans, a target for Manchester City.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Youri Tielemans is set to spark a battle between Real Madrid and Manchester City in the summer transfer window. The Premier League champions are ready to offer €40 million to land the Leicester City playmaker, but the Merengues are aiming to beat the competition to land the Belgian international.
Youri Tielemans has established himself as one of the best creative midfielders in the Premier League since joining Leicester City from AS Monaco. The 24-year-old has been a shining light for the Foxes over the last few years, playing a key role in helping them clinch back to back UEFA Europa League berths and the FA Cup last season.
The Belgian international has been one of the few bright spots in a difficult season for Leicester, registering seven goals and three assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. But with a little over a year left on his current contract, Tielemans looks set to depart the King Power Stadium this coming summer, which has captured the attention of Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Real Madrid will need to lay down a succession plan for Luka Modric and Toni Kroos sooner or later, with the two ageing midfield stalwarts approaching the final phases of their respective careers. The Merengues are likely to delve into the market for a creative midfielder in the summer anyway, with Dani Ceballos and Isco facing uncertain futures at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The two Spanish internationals will likely leave Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, creating space for new signings in the midfield department. But Real Madrid will have to fend off competition from Manchester City in the race to sign Tielemans, with the Citizens determined to land him in the summer.
The interest from Manchester City could be stemming from the rising uncertainties surrounding Bernardo Silva despite his excellent campaign. Recent reports have linked the Portuguese playmaker with Real Madrid. In addition, Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan are on the wrong side of 30, prompting Manchester City to sign a younger option like Tielemans.
But recent reports have suggested that Tielemans is keen on joining Real Madrid instead of Manchester City. The Citizens are looking to make the first move by launching a €40 million offer for the 24-year-old, but the Merengues are also keen on signing the player. The operation is reportedly expected to cost around €50 million.
Also Read: Three potential destinations for Youri Tielemans
For now, what appears to be certain is that the Belgian playmaker will leave Leicester City in the summer transfer window, with Manchester City or Real Madrid his likely destination.
