Three midfielders on Madrid's radar as Los Blancos look to strengthen

Real Madrid continue to scour the market for a central midfielder. A lack of options has seen Zinedine Zidane forced to give Casemiro and Toni Kroos very little rest, although it has allowed Fede Valverde to have a breakout season. 

Zidane and president Florentino Perez want to make sure they sign someone with the right profile. The French coach has wanted Paul Pogab for a while, although Perez wants a more economical option. That has led them to three names.  

ERIKSEN, A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY 

Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen has been a favourite of Perez for a long time. Until now, Tottenham have always wanted too much but now things have changed. He is out of contract in the summer and doesn't want to renew, so could be available in January for around 47 million euros. 

The midfielder would add attacking talent to the middle, is a dead ball specialist and possess a brilliant pass. However, he hasn't always been the most consistent in the Premier League. Spurs will likely have to sell in the winter if they don't want to lose him for free in 2020.   

FABIAN, INTENSE SCOUTING 

Spain international Fabian Ruiz has grown a lot at Napoli. Madrid value his quality, progression and character. A regular with his country recently, Los Blancos have been tracking him for a long time. His arrival would allow Luka Modric and Kroos more rest at the same time as rejuvenating the midfield (Modric is now 34). 

The problem, as with Pogba, is the price. Napoli president De Laurentiis does not have a great relationship with Madrid and doesn't want to sell one of his best players. He would be looking at more than 80 million euros if his hand was forced, which is an amount Los Blancos don't really want to spend. 

VAN DE BEEK, WITHIN RANGE

Signing Donny van de Beek in the summer was a real option for Madrid until Zidane put the brakes on the deal. However, it could be back on the table at any moment. His youthfulness and his ability to get forward and contribute in the final third are the big arguments for signing him. 

However, the impression is he's the least fancied of the three options. He would not be cheap, either: around 60 million euros.