Real Madrid ‘closely monitoring’ €50m Man United target seen as Rodri alternative

Real Madrid looked for all the world as if they would be signing Rodri from Manchester City this summer, after the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner began talks with the La Liga giants after leading Spain to World Cup glory in North America.

Yet, Los Blancos' El Clásico rivals would hijack the deal late on, and now the 30-year-old will be playing his football at the Camp Nou this season.

Jose Mourinho has spent the summer bolstering his team with talent to give him the tools to challenge for the La Liga and the Champions League titles.

However, after two underwhelming victories against Espanyol and Real Sociedad, in which they lacked Mourinho’s desired control in midfield.

Now the Portuguese manager is eyeing a Rodri alternative to do this role, which had previously seen Real linked to his international teammate Martin Zubimendi.

The Arsenal star would appear to be the perfect solution to Madrid’s issue in the midfield, but the club are put off by the asking price from the Gunners, which is believed to be worth €90 million.

So, the 36 La Liga title winning club have set their sights on cheaper alternatives, with Real Madrid targeting players from Serie A.

Tuttosport reports that Real Madrid have Manuel Locatelli in their sights, with the Juventus player believed to be looking for a fresh challenge at 28.

Yet, it is Spanish outlet AS Diario reports that the club are interested in former Manchester United target Manu Kone.

The Red Devils came close to signing the Roma star earlier this summer, as the Italian side were willing to accept an offer worth €50 million for the French international.

Manu Kone has earned praise from Thierry Henry (Credit:Getty)

It is no surprise that Madrid may view Kone as a perfect alternative after he impressed for France at the World Cup this summer.

The 25-year-old made five appearances for France before they were eliminated from the competition, with Kone proving he was able to control the midfield from a defensive position.

His qualities lay in snuffing out opposition attacks, and while he does have quality on the ball, he used his intelligence to lay the ball off to those star players in the team who could have more of an impact in getting a goal, something he will be able to do at Real.