Real Madrid have reportedly put England stars Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham at top of a seven-man shortlist of players they are eyeing during the World Cup.
Kane and Bellingham have started both of the Three Lions' games so far, with Gareth Southgate's men on the verge of qualifying for the knockout stages. And their performances are also helping them to catch the eye of Madrid ahead of the January transfer window.
Los Blancos are looking to overhaul their ageing squad, as they look to continue their successful period under Carlo Ancelotti. The World Cup is the perfect chance for them to scout potential targets, with some of the best players in the world on show.
And according to Sport, they have now drawn up a seven-man transfer shortlist, which includes some of the tournament's biggest stars. Los Blancos are said to be 'closely following' the World Cup and analysing players who fit into their philosophy.
It is said that they are particularly targeting a left winger, a midfielder and a forward. It is expected that as many as four of their current squad will depart the Bernabeu in next summer's window.
For that reason, they have now drawn up a shortlist containing both Bellingham and Kane. Also included are Alphonso Davies, Enzo Fernandez, Youri Tielemans, Youssoufa Moukoko and Stanislav Lobotka.
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Bellingham is being chased by many of Europe's top clubs following his starring role at Borussia Dortmund. Madrid are thought to be one of the frontrunners for the midfielder, but he will only leave Signal Iduna Park for a huge price-tag.
That is said to have led to the LaLiga giants adopting a policy of signing players who are out of contract. As a result, Tielemans is now a 'direct target' as they will be able to come to a pre-contract agreement with him from the start of the January window.
Kane meanwhile has become an option as Madrid search for a new striker, with Karim Benzema approaching the twilight of his career. The Tottenham captain has long been eyed by Madrid president Florentino Perez.
His current contract does not expire until 2024, though he did flirt with leaving back in the summer of 2021. Madrid would certainly be able to fulfil his sporting ambitions of challenging for trophies.
Again, the price would prove a stumbling block to Madrid, who are said to be unwilling to pay his £78million price tag. Perez is also aware of Spurs chairman Daniel Levy's reputation for being a tough negotiator, particularly when it comes to Kane.
Kane is yet to score at the World Cup so far, though he is expected to keep his place in the starting line-up against Wales for England's final group game. Bellingham meanwhile starred in the Three Lions' dominant win over Iran, but was substituted against the United States.
Jordan Henderson is expected to come into the team over the Dortmund star against Wales. England need a point to confirm their place in the knockout stages for the second successive World Cup.
