Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has told the club’s board he wants to sign Tottenham striker Harry Kane at a key meeting to discuss transfers.
The Athletic reported that senior figures were set to hold talks over the club’s rebuild this summer and beyond, and president Florentino Perez, general manager Jose Angel Sanchez joined Ancelotti at the club’s Valdebebas training ground on Thursday.
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According to sources familiar with what was discussed, who did not want to be named to protect relationships, Ancelotti asked for Kane to reinforce his attack next season.
The board told Ancelotti they would try to make that happen, although difficulties were highlighted. The Athletic has previously reported Manchester United’s longstanding interest — but it remains to be seen whether Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy would sanction a sale. There is no desire at Tottenham to sell Kane, but he is out of contract next summer and could leave on a free transfer.
Asked about Kane on Saturday, Ancelotti said: “I have always said that Kane is a great player, but he plays for Tottenham and we have to respect the player and Tottenham.”
At the time of the meeting, Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema’s departure was widely expected following a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, but the club are still awaiting clarity on Benzema’s intentions.
The potential signing of Jude Bellingham was also discussed on Thursday, with a proposed transfer considered to be on the right track. Real Madrid are still in talks with Borussia Dortmund.
In terms of arrivals, three signings are already considered to have been made: Fran Garcia, who was bought back from Rayo Vallecano in January for €5million, Brahim Diaz — who is expected to renew until 2027 as reported by The Athletic in February — and Joselu Mato, who is expected to arrive as a replacement for Mariano, thanks to favourable conditions following Espanyol’s relegation.
Espanyol sources, speaking on condition of anonymity to protect relationships, have told The Athletic that Real Madrid have not yet officially made a move for Joselu. Because of their relegation, the striker can leave on loan if the club that wants him pays 100 per cent of his salary, but Espanyol will have the final say.
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The club have no need to sell, but excellent relations between Real Madrid and Espanyol could facilitate the deal, with Real Madrid players potentially included in any transfer.
Contract renewals and potential departures were also discussed. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have agreed renewals, but Mariano Diaz, who has not yet received a proposal for a new deal, is set to leave the club.
Ancelotti had wanted Marco Asensio to stay, but the attacker is poised to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. Asensio has explained he wants more playing time and sees next year as even more difficult if Bellingham arrives and Federico Valverde is deployed in attack.
Doubts remain about Nacho and Dani Ceballos. Both contracts expire on June 30 and have received renewal offers.
Ceballos is happy with the club’s last proposal in terms of salary and years, but he wants to play a leading role and is also wary of competition in midfield.
In terms of departures, Ferland Mendy is on the market, although he has a contract until 2025 and his entourage has said he wants to stay.
The case of goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is also complex. Real’s coaching staff have advised his departure and drawn up a list of possible replacements, but the Ukrainian has said this week at Valdebebas that he is keen to stay put.
Alvaro Ordiozola is open to leaving but there are doubts whether Eden Hazard, who is under contract until 2024, will depart this summer.
As reported on Friday, Thursday’s meeting started with full confirmation that Ancelotti would continue amid links to the Brazil job, with confidence in his work conveyed to the Italian.
Real Madrid conclude the La Liga season against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
(Photo: Getty Images)
