Real Madrid shortlist an alternative to Paul Pogba and Christian Eriksen

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Manchester United's Paul Pogba and Tottenham Hotspur's Christian Eriksen during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on January 13, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Manchester United's Paul Pogba and Tottenham Hotspur's Christian Eriksen during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on January 13, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Real Madrid have shortlisted an alternative to Premier League duo Paul Pogba and Christian Eriksen as both of them could cost a bomb this summer.

Real Madrid are targeting some players for a transfer during the summer. The Whites are looking to stamp their authority in the market ahead of next season and make a statement twelve months from now, after what has been an absolutely horrible and sub-par season for them. While some players are set to sign for the club, some players being aimed at are unrealistic, expensive and fruitless.

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With Toni Kroos being a target for Manchester City and a subject of transfer speculation of late, the Whites are looking for a midfielder. The fact that Luka Modric is ageing is a bigger driving force in their hunt for one. Christian Eriksen and Paul Pogba are two world-class midfielders on Real Madrid’s wish list.

As per MARCA, signing both of them is going to be an extremely difficult task. While Christian Eriksen could still be lured into signing given that his Tottenham contract expires in 2020 and he will leave for free then, Paul Pogba’s signing is going to take a lot of slog because Manchester United consider him untouchable and he does have a long contract at the club.

With that said, Florentino Perez has presented an alternative for the two in front of Zinedine Zidane in the shape of Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Donny van de Beek. The Dutchman has been instrumental for Erik ten Hag’s side that has been a revelation in this season’s UEFA Champions League and leads the Eredivisie standings.

Aged 22, van de Beek has scored 15 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions in this campaign. A midfielder who is noted for his vision, passing and intellect on the pitch is valued at 50 million euros by Ajax Amsterdam. Van de Beek could turn out to be a bargain in the future and presently, he will be a cheaper and younger alternative for Pogba and Eriksen.

As added benefit, would van de Beek be Real Madrid’s answer to Barcelona signing de Jong?