The summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Real Madrid eye possible reinforcements.
Florentino Perez oversaw a significant overhaul of his squad last summer before focusing more on youth in January. As is always the case with Madrid, though, some of the biggest names in football continue to be linked, even in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news of possible comings and goings at the Bernabeu.
Thursday morning's Real Madrid transfer talk news roundup:
Ronald Koeman 'wants Donny van de Beek as first Barcelona signing'
© Reuters
Ronald Koeman has reportedly identified Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek as a possible first signing should he take over as Barcelona manager.
The former Southampton and Everton boss is widely expected to succeed the sacked Quique Setien at the helm of the Catalan giants, who are set for a major club-wide rebuild following their 8-2 Champions League quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich.
In addition to changes in the coaching staff and potentially at boardroom level, the playing squad is also expected to be overhauled with Barcelona also facing financial difficulties in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Le 10 Sport reports that Van de Beek could be one of the players to come in as part of that overhaul, with Koeman knowing the midfielder well from his time as Netherlands boss.
The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with Barcelona's bitter rivals Real Madrid in the past, while Manchester United and Juventus have also been credited with an interest.
Van de Beek recently admitted that he might have already left Ajax had it not been for coronavirus, but insists that he is happy to stay at the Dutch club if a move away does not materialise this summer.
Jose Mourinho 'wants to bring Gareth Bale back to Tottenham Hotspur'
© Reuters
Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly determined to sign Real Madrid attacker Gareth Bale during this summer's transfer window.
Bale was restricted to just 20 appearances for Madrid during the 2019-20 campaign, while he hardly featured after the restart in June and told head coach Zinedine Zidane to leave him out of their trip to Manchester City in the Champions League earlier this month.
The 31-year-old is allegedly prepared to see out the final two years of his lucrative contract at the Bernabeu even if it means that he does not represent the club again.
However, Spanish football expert Alvaro Montero recently claimed that the Wales international was keen on a return to the Premier League.
According to Cuatro, Zidane is desperate to offload the attacker this summer, and he could be offered a return to Tottenham by Mourinho, who is determined to secure his signature.
Bale started his professional career with Southampton before joining Spurs, representing the London giants on 203 occasions between 2007 and 2013, scoring 55 times in the process.
The former left-back scored just twice in 16 La Liga appearances during the 2019-20 season, playing only a minor role in the team's title success.
More transfer news from Real Madrid:
Real Madrid want Romelu Lukaku as Karim Benzema replacement?
Real Madrid could attempt to sign Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku, according to a report. Read more.
