Real Madrid to hijack Manchester United midfield transfer targets

Very few clubs in the world have the same lure that Real Madrid has, having signed top players from giant clubs throughout its history.

So when Los Blancos are linked to targets of any other club, it’s understandable this could be seen as a real issue.

However, Manchester United can feel somewhat confident in their transfer pursuits, depsite Xabi Alonso’s side monitoring two of their targets.

The Athletic has reported that Real Madrid had a keen interest in AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton last summer, and are still looking to recruit to their midfield.

As such, United could be up against Madrid in their pursuit of the pair as their midfield rebuild is well known to be their next priority.

Wharton has appeared on United’s shortlist since the summer, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba also in the running.

However, Smit has joined the shortlist more recently, as revealed by CentreDevils in November.

All is not lost however with Real Madrid declaring interest, as United have a recent history of beating Los Blancos to their target.

In summer 2024, Leny Yoro was set on moving to Santiago Bernabeu, with no interest in the Premier League at all.

Ultimately, United managed to sway Yoro, sealing his move to Old Trafford, seeing the talented teenager snub the La Liga giants.

Now, United will be hoping to do much the same if Madrid do indeed continue their interest from last summer.