Xabi Alonso suffers Real Madrid setback as club bosses brutally reject his plea for new signing

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has suffered a big blow after the club brutally declined his next top transfer target.

In his first match since replacing club legend Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid manager, Alonso was held to a shock draw with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in the Club World Cup.

The result means that the Spanish side may have to win both of their remaining group fixtures against Pachuca and RB Salzburg to progress to the round of 16.

Things have gone further downhill for Alonso since the match as Real Madrid confirmed that star striker Kylian Mbappe was battling 'an acute case of gastroenteritis' in hospital, likely ruling him out of their next game.

And now, the Real Madrid boss has been dealt another major blow as he has been told that he is not allowed to pursue his latest transfer target.

Xabi Alonso drew 1-1 with Al Hilal in his first match as Real Madrid manager. (Image: Getty)

Since his arrival at Real in May, Alonso has already added three massive names to his squad, with former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, ex-Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen and River Plate's Franco Mastantuono all joining.

The La Liga club's active presence in the early days of the transfer market suggested that they were heavily prepared to back their new boss, but according to a new report from Spanish outlet Marca, this may no longer be the case.

In the wake of the draw, the report claims that it is clear that Madrid need a new creative playmaker in their midfield, and that this is exactly what Alonso is believed to have told the board when he arrived.

Alonso reportedly identified Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, who looks set to complete a move to Arsenal, as his top target but was told that midfielders in the squad were more than enough to achieve what is expected of Alonso.

Xabi Alonso identified Martin Zubimendi as his next transfer target. (Image: Getty)

Although Real Madrid did look flat in their opening Club World Cup fixture, with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Arda Guler all capable of leading the front of their midfield, they can quickly turn this form around.

And with more signings in other areas of the pitch expected to come over the summer, it is only a matter of time before we see Madrid thrive under their new manager.