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Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Real Madrid, Luka Modric, Xabi Alonso
Josh Lawless
Real Madrid have already set their sights on a perfect replacement for Luka Modric after it was confirmed he would be leaving the club after 13 trophy-laden seasons.
Modric joined Real from Spurs back in 2012 and has gone on to become one of Los Blancos' most successful and greatest ever players - lifting a total of 28 trophies.
The 39-year-old signed a one-year contract extension last summer and there was talk that he would make a similar agreement to stay on under the management of his former teammate Xabi Alonso next term.
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However, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner will play his final game at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday and depart after the Club World Cup in the United States.
"I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the jersey of the best team in the world and the ambition to do great things, but I couldn't have imagined what came next," Modric said in a statement.
"Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and as a person.
"I'm proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history."
Having failed to retain La Liga and the Champions League Real are wasting no time in rebuilding their squad - with a £50 million deal for Dean Huijsen confirmed and Trent Alexander-Arnold set to join on a free transfer.
A new left-back is also a priority but Real are now reportedly desperate to replace Modric with Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal star Vitinha.
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The 25-year-old, formerly of Wolves, has grown into one of the best players in the world in his position and has been instrumental in PSG's run to the Champions League final, forming an incredible midfield three alongside compatriot Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz.
MARCA say Vitinha at the top of Real's wishlist and state that he "studied at the school" of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric and "is the best option" because "his age allows him to press without fear and be aggressive in stealing".
A tidy midfielder with an impressive range of passing, Vitinha still has a contract with PSG until 2029 and would likely command a hefty fee.
Ballon d'Or winner and Manchester City star Rodri, Enzo Fernandez, Florian Wirtz, Nico Paz, Tijjani Reijnders, Franco Mastantuono, Angelo Stiller and Hugo Larsson have also been mentioned as potential midfield reinforcements.