Real Madrid Transfers: 6 Big Names Linked with Summer Moves to the Bernabeu

Mikhail Turner@MikhailTurnerX.com LogoContributor IIIMarch 1, 2013

Real Madrid Transfers: 6 Big Names Linked with Summer Moves to the Bernabeu

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    Real Madrid will be looking to revamp the squad this summer and, as always, some big-name players have been linked to the side.

    Los Merengues are highly unlikely to retain their La Liga title and that disappointment is sure to prompt some player movement.

    Luka Modric and Michael Essien were the only signings for the club this season with the Ghanaian coming in on loan.

    Modric has not brought the spark many expected and Essien has been more of a utility player than anything else.

    Madrid may look to strengthen the attack and midfield while also solidifying the right-back position next season.

    Here are six big names to be linked with summer moves to Madrid.

    *Unless otherwise stated all statistics courtesy of ESPN Soccernet

Gareth Bale

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    Real Madrid has long been linked with Tottenham star Gareth Bale.

    The flying Welshman could leave the London club if they don't get into the Champions League for next season.

    Both Talksport.com and the Daily Star report the Spanish side may be ready to bid for the left winger in the summer.

    Should Bale join the club it would be interesting to see what Jose Mourinho, or whoever the Madrid coach is, would do to include him.

    Cristiano Ronaldo is a surefire starter and plays in Bale's position on the left but there are a few options to fit him in.

    Bale could be included on the left with Ronaldo switching to the right side. The Portuguese winger is extremely capable with either foot and would have no trouble adapting.

    One more option could be to have Bale play on the right with Ronaldo on the left. That would allow the two players to cut in and finish chances on their favoured side.

    The last option, if Madrid aren't able to secure a forward, is to place Ronaldo as the striker with Bale on the left.

Edinson Cavani

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    According to the Daily Mail, Real Madrid will battle with Manchester City in race to sign Edinson Cavani.

    The Napoli and Uruguayan striker is one of the hottest properties in world football.

    Napoli is currently in the six point away from Juventus in the Serie A title race and both clubs would find it tough to sign Cavani if his club re-enters the Champions League.

    Real Madrid's current forwards Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema haven't been at their best this season.

    Neither player has scored more than 10 goals in the league and look unlikely to reach the 20-goal mark they both did last season.

    Cavani currently leads the Serie A scoring charts with 18 goals in 23 games.

Marouane Fellaini

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    The Daily Mail returns with Marouane Fellaini as the rumoured target for Real Madrid and other big clubs this summer.

    The Mail believes that Chelsea and Manchester City are the other clubs interested in a move for Fellaini.

    There's been plenty of speculation about the Everton midfielder's future as his side chases one of the Premier League's Champions League positions.

    If Real Madrid's interest is real they may have the upper-hand as Everton may be glad to let the player go to a club outside of England.

    Fellaini would be used as one of the two midfielders in Madrid's double pivot and provide depth to the midfield.

Javier Hernandez

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    Manchester United star Javier Hernandez has been linked(per the Daily Mirror) with a move to Real Madrid.

    Hernandez burst unto the scene with United during the 2010//11 season but has since become a less integral player in the side.

    Robin van Persie's inclusion at the start of the season resulted in Hernandez's playing time being reduced even more.

    The Mexican forward still has a good record of 15 goals in 27 games despite being used mainly as a substitute.

David De Gea

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    John Cross of the Mirror believes that Real Madrid is interested in Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea.

    The former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper has had his problems getting used to the English style of play and that's led to constant speculation about his future.

    De Gea put in a great performance against the Spanish side in their recent Champions League encounter and will have another audition in the second leg this coming week.

    De Gea is seen in Spain as the long-term successor to Iker Casillas for the national side and Madrid may try to replicate that on the club level.

Borja Valero

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    Real Madrid has brought back a few players to the Bernabeu in recent seasons and that could continue with Fiorentina star Borja Valero.

    As reported by Sky Sports Borja Valero recently played down the possibility of a return to the club.

    The Spanish playmaker made stops at Mallorca, West Bromwich and Villarreal before ending up with the Serie A side.

    In his debut season he has become an integral part of arguably the most exciting Italian team. Valero is currently second in the league with nine assists to his name.

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