Real Madrid Eye Up Surprise January Transfer Target

So far in his managerial career Zinedine Zidane has made things look very simple, that was until this season. Now the Frenchman might need a touch of help wit a strange, but potentially brilliant, winter transfer.

They always say that the best footballers don't always make the best managers and there's always a worry that a legend on the pitch is about to ruin their status by becoming a bang average manager.

When Zinedine Zidane didn't exactly pull up any trees as Real Madrid's B team manager and then became their first team boss, taking over from Rafa Benitez, that was the worry, but we needn't have.

_{Most managers don't win the Champions League once, never mind twice, back-to-back, in your first two seasons of a manager. Image: PA}

In just two and a half seasons Zidane has won the Champions League twice, becoming the first team to defend it in the current version, and won La Liga for the first time in five years for Los Blancos.

However so far this season the Spanish champions have dropped points in two league games, drawing with Valencia and Levante, as Barcelona have won every game. And according to Don Balon the club are lining up a surprise signing in Alexis Sanchez for the winter to give them a boost.

_{Manchester City tried their best to sign Sanchez in the summer but the transfer never happened. Image: PA}

Sanchez is available on a free transfer in the summer and was subject to a £70 million bid by Manchester City on the last day of the summer transfer window but Arsenal called the deal off because they didn't think they could get a replacement.

Many believe that the Chilean could be available for a cut price in January if the Gunners decide to cash in on him rather than let him leave on a free in the summer.

Alexis Sanchez Barcelona

_{Sanchez is no stranger to the Spanish league. Image: PA}

The report in Spain suggests that Real want another option in the number nine role as cover for Karim Benzema however despite Florentino Perez wanting Sanchez some other members of the board aren't too impressed with the decision.

Sanchez' past as a Barca player and the likelihood of him replacing Benzema as first choice mean he's not universally liked by everyone who will have a say on the decision who to sign.

It still feels more likely that he'll move to City!

Topics: zidane, Sanchez, Arsenal, Real Madrid

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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