Barcelona have been the front-runners in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen stalwart Jonathan Tah as a free agent this summer.
However, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Real Madrid could rival them for Tah if they hire Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti.
Alonso and Tah share a great relationship. The German international could join the Spanish tactician in Madrid.
The pair won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles last term. The defender was a cornerstone of the back-three system that proved hugely successful.
Madrid are light in defence and need reinforcements. Eder Militao has suffered two successive long-term injury blows.
David Alaba has also endured a lengthy period on the sidelines and looks a shadow of his former self.
Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio have been starting, but Madrid need other options. Tah would be a steal on a free transfer.
Madrid reportedly looked at Dean Huijsen but backed away as they are unwilling to pay his £50 million release clause. Tah is a cheaper and more experienced option.
As for Barcelona, they will likely be trying to salvage the deal and get the Leverkusen captain to sign on the dotted line before Madrid can get Alonso through the door.
Their finances mean they must rely on free transfers, and Tah is one of the best value signings. Bayern Munich are also interested in the Hamburg-born centre-half.
The imperious defender has won 75 percent of his aerial and 43% of his ground duels while helping Leverkusen keep seven clean sheets in 29 Bundesliga appearances this season.
The 29-year-old is stellar on the ball and fits like a glove in Barcelona’s technically excellent backline, but they must move fast to prevent Madrid from hijacking the deal.
