Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing up a stunning replacement after news of Vinicius Jr's contract bombshell dropped.
The Brazil international's contract at the Santiago Bernabeu runs until 2027 but his long-term future with Los Blancos is under threat.
Vinicius has found himself out of the side under Xabi Alonso on occasion and issued an apology after an outburst following the Spaniard's decision to substitute him in El Clasico in October.
As he left the pitch in the 72nd minute, Vinicius shouted, “Always me, I’m leaving the team, it’s better if I leave, I’m leaving.”
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But while he apologised to president Florentino Perez in a meeting, according to a detailed article in The Athletic, Vinicius is said to have revealed that he has no desire to extend his deal at present.
The forward had been in discussions over fresh terms since January but negotiations stalled, with Vinicius not wanting to continue conversations amid a relationship with Alonso that is described as "strained" and "difficult".
Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti and tensions between he and Vinicius are said to be "a topic of daily debate inside and outside the club".
His statement in October did not mention Alonso in an apology in a deliberate ploy, with Vinicius not feeling as though he is treated well by the World Cup winner.
The defeat to PSG in the Club World Cup is believed to be the crux of their differences, with Vinicius deployed on the right flank instead of his preferred left after initially being set for a spot on the bench before Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Aware of the situation and genuine possibility that one of their key assets could soon be out the door, Real are set to do everything in their power to convince him to stay put.
Real's clear plan if Vinicius leaves
However, SPORT say that the 15-time European champions have a "clear plan" and would look to replace Vinicius with a blockbuster signing.
First on their list is Manchester City sensation Erling Haaland, who Real have a long-standing interest in.
Though it's stressed that it wouldn't "be an easy transfer" - particularly given Haaland has a long-term contract with City until 2034 - the club's relationship with his agent Rafaela Pimienta gives hope that a mammoth deal could be achieved.
Vinicius earns around £15.8 million per year at Real but an offer for a renewal to increase that figure was not accepted and in response, his team requested a historic contract close to Cristiano Ronaldo's previous pay packet in the Spanish capital.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) explored the possibility of a mega deal to bring Vinicius to the Middle East but did not gain traction.
The former Flamengo man is now being linked with Manchester United, with one report claiming that the Red Devils are prepared to formalise interest with a £176 million bid.
Topics: Real Madrid, Vinicius Jr
Josh Lawless