Real Madrid preparing summer raid for Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski

David Cooper - Writer 12:27 10/02/2018
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  • Robert Lewandowski has been linked with Real for some time.

    The January transfer window may be shut but there’s still plenty of news from the rumour mill with several moves being put off until the summer.

    Here, we round up the transfer tales that have got everyone talking.

    ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI

    The Bayern Munich forward is believed to be in talks with Real Madrid over switching to the Bernabeu this summer. Rumours have persisted for some time that the prolific Pole dreams of playing for Los Blancos and given the striker is 29, his chances of one last big move are starting to run thin. As ever, Lewandowski has been plundering in the goals this term as the German giants close in on another Bundesliga title while Real’s La Liga troubles have been well-documented.

    RATING: 8/10

    VERDICT

    Expect, the Whites to move for the former Dortmund star in the close season and launch a bid in the region of €60m for his signature. With the future of Karim Benzema seemingly uncertain, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-term plight, Lewandowski’s experience and goal-getting ability is perfect to fill a quick void.

    Lewandowski has long been linked with the Bernabeu.

    Lewandowski has long been linked with the Bernabeu.

    ANDRE GOMES

    Having struggled for first-team action and experienced a drop in his performance level of late, the Portugal international is set to leave Camp Nou at the end of the season. The midfield talent has had to bear the brunt of boo boys this term and could be given an escape route out of Catalonia, with both Tottenham and West Ham considering moves for the 24-year-old midfielder. Gomes, who arrived at Barcelona in the summer of 2016, is apparently keen to play in the Premier League and will be available for a cut-price fee after the World Cup in Russia.

    RATING: 8/10

    VERDICT

    The Barcelona man struggled to impose himself during Thursday’s Copa del Rey clash against Valencia but despite a disappointing time of late, has youth on his side and plenty of talent to make an impact away from Blaugrana’s star laden side.

    Struggling for form: Andre Gomes.

    ALVARO MORATA

    The Chelsea forward has not ruled out a return to Spain in the future, insisting that Madrid will always be his home. Morata, who was born in the Spanish capital, has endured a testing campaign at Stamford Bridge and struggled of late after an initially explosive start to life with the Blues. According to reports in Spain, the 25-year-old has revealed he will never turn down the chance to move back to his country and re-join boyhood side Real Madrid. With the Whites looking for striking reinforcements, a fairytale comeback should not be ruled out but it looks unlikely while Zinedine Zidane is still in charge.

    RATING: 4/10

    VERDICT

    While there is not any interest from Real Madrid at the moment given they only sold Morata last summer, there are many at the Bernabeu who still think the Whites should have stuck by the boyhood Madridista who actually netted in the Champions League final. But, after a decent season with Chelsea, expect him to stay in west London.

    Alvaro Morata has scored 12 goals this season.

    N’GOLO KANTE

    Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly made the Chelsea defensive midfield star their No.1 transfer target this term. Kante’s form, along with the rest of his team-mates, has dipped following a string of bad results under boss Antonio Conte and this has increased speculation the Frenchman could head out of the exit door at the end of the season. The Stamford Bridge club are thought to be reluctant to lose the 26-year-old marathon man in the middle of the park but a big-money offer from PSG could turn the player’s head. Kante, who last season became the first player to win two back-to-back league titles, previously played in Ligue 1 with Caen.

    RATING: 4/10

    VERDICT

    Like Morata, Kante is still very much an integral part of the furniture at Stamford Bridge – and is one of the most respected players in the squad, so, as such – don’t expect him to be going anywhere.

    Key man: Kante has largely been a revelation at Chelsea.

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