Toni Kroos inspired Real Madrid to a record 15th European Cup last season
Carlo Ancelotti's side have struggled in Europe since the Germany great retired
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By DAVID KENT
Published: 18:29 EST, 1 December 2024 | Updated: 18:35 EST, 1 December 2024
Real Madrid are ramping up their hunt for a replacement for Toni Kroos and have reportedly identified three Premier League stars as targets.
Kroos announced his shock exit from the game at the age of 34 earlier this year and signed out of club football in style by guiding Madrid to a 15th European Cup with victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley in June.
Carlo Ancelotti's side have struggled in Europe this season without the German talisman - losing three of their five matches in the Champions League this season. They are also a point off the pace behind leaders Barcelona in La Liga.
And with Real's season in the balance, Madrid newspaper Diario AS which has strong ties to the club, has revealed the players on Ancelotti's shopping list.
Curtis Jones, Liverpool
Jones has blossomed into one of the Premier League's best midfielders this season and, significantly, starred against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Toni Kroos retired in perfect style when winning the European Cup with Real Madrid at Wembley
Carlo Ancelotti's side have struggled in the Champions League without the German talisman
Curtis Jones won the battle of the midfield when Liverpool played against Real Madrid
The 23-year-old kept his fellow England international Jude Bellingham quiet in an all-action display and is his country's leading passer of the ball - having completed a higher percentage of passes (94.8 per cent) than his rivals.
Rodri, Manchester City
The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner is an obvious candidate to replace Kroos and Real will hope that the current turmoil at Man City can help tempt Rodri to Madrid.
The 28-year-old's influence on the Premier League champions has been no more evident than in his absence through an anterior cruciate ligament rupture since September. Rodri is the glue that holds Man City together - much like Kroos was.
Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea
Chelsea splashed out a British record transfer fee of £107million in January 2023 and this season, it is becoming apparent why.
An injured Rodri shows off his Ballon d'Or award to the Manchester City supporters
Enzo Fernandez celebrates his goal against Aston Villa, a second in successive games
Bayern's Joshua Kimmich is a proven performer in both the domestic and international arena
The Argentine struck his second goal in successive matches against Aston Villa on Sunday and even wore the captain's armband, a sign of just how important he is becoming in an impoving Chelsea side.
Fernandez's remarkable eight-year contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2032 so it would take a monsturous transfer fee to take him to Madrid.
Joshua Kimmich and Vitinha
Outside the Premier League, Real are also keeping close tabs on Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich and Paris Saint-German star Vitinha.
Kimmich's contract runs out at the end of the season and talks are stalling. The 29-year-old has proven himself for both club and country and would be a safe pair of hands.
PSG's Vitinha, 24, is contracted to his club until 2027 and valued at around £45 million.