Real Madrid planning shock January move for England star hours after Croatia thrashing

Real Madrid have shown interest in one of Jude Bellingham's England teammates following their 7-0 thrashing of Croatia.

The Three Lions produced their best performance under Thomas Tuchel, putting seven past Croatia, with Bukayo Saka (2), Harry Kane (2), Anthony Gordon, Bellingham, and Morgan Rogers all scoring.

A display of that magnitude has only put several of their players in the spotlight, with Real Madrid showing interest in one of Tuchel's stars ahead of the January transfer window.

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Real Madrid want England defender Jarell Quansah

Jarell Quansah's inclusion in England's starting lineup ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold was questioned by some supporters in the pre-match build-up.

But the Bayer Leverkusen man justified his selection with an assist for Gordon's strike on the stroke of half-time, while offering the Three Lions solidity on the right flank alongside Saka.

Quansah's excellent performances are what Leverkusen fans have become used to since he joined the club from Liverpool in 2025, and unsurprisingly, other European giants are now monitoring his progress.

After departing Anfield for just €35million, the 23-year-old has now fielded interest from Real Madrid, who are among the clubs keeping a close eye on his development, according to SportBILD.

It is said that Bellingham could play a decisive role in luring Quansah to the Santiago Bernabeu - just as he did with Alexander-Arnold - but they will need to bat off strong competition for his signature.

Chelsea and Arsenal have already made moves for the versatile Englishman, who would be captured by Jose Mourinho to play in central defence, though his proficiency as a right-back makes him an attractive proposition.

Real Madrid are looking to bolster their central defensive options ahead of January after conceding eight goals in their opening seven La Liga matches.

Quansah is seen as a potential upgrade on Raul Asensio and Antonio Rudiger, but with his contract at Leverkusen running until June 2030, the Bundesliga giants are in a strong position to negotiate a huge fee for one of their prized assets.

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What Trent Alexander-Arnold has said about Jarell Quansah

A potential switch to Real would see Quansah link back up with Alexander-Arnold, another player who graduated through Liverpool's academy.

The pair shared the pitch on 27 occasions at Anfield, including when Quansah made his Premier League debut against Newcastle United in August 2023.

He came on in the second half to help Jurgen Klopp's side to a 2-1 victory at St James' Park, and Alexander-Arnold was one of the first to praise him for his performance.

"Jarell Quansah, absolutely phenomenal in his first game for us, coming on in an atmosphere and an environment like this is extraordinary. And to hold his own in the way he’s performed is outstanding," he said at the time.

Currently, Tuchel prefers starting Quansah as a right-back ahead of Alexander-Arnold for England, citing the former's defensive attributes as a reason why.

The Bayer Leverkusen star was given the nod against Spain and Croatia for that reason, while his former Liverpool teammate impressed against Czechia, grabbing an assist for Gordon.