Man City Transfer News: Real Madrid plotting 'bombshell' double coup

Real Madrid are reportedly plotting an explosive shake-up that would have huge ramifications for Manchester City.

Los Blancos have had a tumultuous start to the new year, with Xabi Alonso dismissed after their defeat in the Supercopa de España final, which was followed by a shock exit in the Copa del Rey.

After failing to retain La Liga last term and lagging four points behind Barcelona halfway through the current campaign, it looks as though Florentino Perez is plotting a big reset in the Spanish capital.

Part of that reset is thought to include bringing in Jurgen Klopp as manager, though the other aspect of their ambitious plans may leave alarm bells ringing at the Etihad Stadium.

Spain-based outlet Fichajes alleges that Real Madrid have set their sights on bringing in Erling Haaland to partner Kylian Mbappe and revolutionising the Madrid attack.

In what was described as a two-pronged ‘major bombshell’, Los Blancos are hoping to lure one of the most sought-after managers in the game – despite Klopp appearing to rule out replacing Alonso – and the hottest striker on the planet.

Haaland has been in imperious form this term, notching 26 goals in 29 games across all competitions. Mbappe, meanwhile, has 29 goals in 25 games, making the prospect of a Haaland-Mbappe partnership unspeakably frightening.

While there is no mention of City entertaining the idea of selling the Norwegian or how much it could take to prise him out of Manchester, it appears as though Madrid are prepared to outlay a considerable sum to get their man.

On the surface, it seems rather outlandish for Madrid to set their sights so high, but if any club could pull this off, it’s the Spanish giants.

But how they would persuade City – a team not exactly strapped for cash – to part with their star man is the simplest, yet most difficult obstacle to overcome.

While City will be in a strong negotiating position (Haaland signed a bumper contract until 2034 just last year), the striker has apparently held a dream to play in La Liga, which hints that his head could yet be turned.

It would be one of the transfers of this generation, but for a club with a history of signing the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mbappe, there is every reason for those connected with City to wonder if they could pull off another mega deal.

Graduated in Sport Journalism (BA) with first-class honours from the University of Brighton and has since had bylines in The Times, sports business publication SportsPro, Football FanCast and The Gooner fanzine.