Manchester United's Paul Pogba and Chelsea's Antonio Rüdiger are 'under close scrutiny' from the powers that be at Real Madrid ahead of the January transfer window.
That's according to a report by Onda Cero journalist Alberto Pereiro, who claims 'Los Blancos' have their eyes on a duo whose contracts expire in London and Manchester next summer.
Advert
And whilst this could be César Azpilicueta and Jesse Lingard, we're pretty confident that Rüdiger and Pogba are the duo in demand.
Pereiro also suggests that Carlo Ancelotti has his eye on a Parisian too, which we know is PSG's Kylian Mbappé.
It was well-documented that the Italian wanted to bring the Frenchman to the Santiago Bernabéu in the summer but despite two extraordinary orders and Mbappé requesting a move away, the Ligue 1 leaders stood firm and kept their prized asset at the club.
Advert
This decision, plus Manchester United and Chelsea's refusal to entertain any offers for their pair, may come back to bite the three clubs in the long-term. Should the trio not decide to extend their contracts, Real Madrid should be able to acquire the trio in January for a much lower fee than they would in the summer just gone.
Whilst the narrative regarding Mbappé and Madrid is well-known, the potential purchases of Pogba and Rüdiger may come as a surprise to many, particularly considering the strong starts both players have made to the new season.
In seven Premier League appearances, Pogba has recorded seven assists and looks back to his creative, controlling self. Meanwhile Rüdiger has been imperious at the back for The Blues and integral to their charge to the top of the table.
Advert
Whilst Ole Gunnar Solskjær has had little to say about Pogba's future, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is rumoured to be desperate to keep his German centre back at Stamford Bridge, with The Daily Expressreporting that he has urged those behind the scenes to renew Rüdiger's deal sooner rather than later.
"I hope that they find a solution but it's not only between coaches and players," Tuchel said of Rudiger's contract situation last month, as quoted by Metro. "So give things time - sometimes it needs a bit longer, sometimes things get very fast. There's no news from my side."
Will there be news of a new destination for three of the best players in the world come January though? Let us know your thoughts.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Paul Pogba, Chelsea, Manchester United, Carlo Ancelotti, PSG, Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid