Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing a move for Dutch international Donny van de Beek as an alternative to Manchester United superstar Paul Pogba
According to a report by MARCA, Real Madrid are having to work on contingency plans for Paul Pogba ahead of the summer transfer window. The La Liga heavyweights are weighing up a move for Ajax sensation Donny van de Beek, if the move for the Manchester United midfielder hits a brick wall.
Donny van de Beek has enjoyed a stunning rise to stardom this season, having been a key part of the Ajax side that took Europe by storm. The Godenzonen completed the domestic double last month and came within seconds of reaching the UEFA Champions League final before Tottenham Hotspur sent them packing.
The players though, left their mark, including van de Beek, who scored 17 goals and provided 13 assists in 57 appearances across all competitions. Some of these strikes came in the memorable run in Europe, and the spotlight has unsurprisingly started shining on him, with Real Madrid now keen on signing him.
After one of their worst seasons in recent memory, Real Madrid are rightly focusing on midfield as a priority for the summer. Luka Modric looked a shadow of the creative force he has been over his time at Real Madrid, and is evidently in the twilight of his career. Two of the young guns, Dani Ceballos and Marcos Llorente are, meanwhile, linked with moves away from the Bernabeu, which might leave Zinedine Zidane short on options.
But, the Dutch international is not the first preference for Los Blancos, who are hoping to sign Paul Pogba this summer.
Signing at least one top class midfielder is thus, the need of the hour for the former European champions. While Pogba is the priority for the Real Madrid boss, Christian Eriksen is also seen as an option by the club. With the two players creating an impasse at the club, Real have been delayed from opening discussions, as per MARCA.
If this impasse runs the pursuit of Pogba into troubled waters, Real Madrid need to have an alternative in front of them, which has brought van de Beek on the table. A move for the Dutch international would make sense as he would also add goals to a side that was desperately in need of them this past season.
The 22-year-old also adds a creative impetus in the middle of the park, making him a fine complement for Toni Kroos and the front men. The pursuit of van de Beek though, will only see the light of the day if Real Madrid are forced to end their interest in Pogba and it remains to be seen if the Ajax star becomes the subject of a bid from the Spanish giants in the coming weeks.
