Report: Real Madrid interested in Florian Wirtz and Xabi Alonso

According to numerous outlets including Sky Germany and Fichajes, Real Madrid are 'accelerating' their bid to sign managerial sensation Alonso. Madrid president Florentino Perez is eager to reunite with the former midfielder, who played for Los Blancos between 2009 and 2014.

Carlo Ancelotti has been a fantastic servant to Madrid, winning a host of trophies including two La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues and two Copa del Reys during two spells with the club.

However, the legendary Italian is under pressure as Barcelona are racing away at the top of La Liga, while Madrid are also down in 12th in the Champions League standings.

Ancelotti's contract is due to expire in June 2026, but if Madrid fail to win any of the big trophies this season, then Perez could look to engineer change next summer.

Alonso is understood to be his No 1 target, despite Zinedine Zidane being linked with another return to the Bernabeu.

Alonso moving to Madrid would disappoint Man City. In recent weeks, it has emerged that City would love to snare the 42-year-old, should they lose club icon Pep Guardiola.

Alonso joining Madrid would likely please Liverpool though, as they will not want to see their former player head to City.

The Spanish tactician will fancy his chances of helping Madrid get back to dominating world football, having enjoyed a stunning campaign with Leverkusen last term.

He helped Leverkusen win the Bundesliga title for the very first time, while also lifting the DFB-Pokal and reach the Europa League final.

Alonso's capture would also give Madrid the advantage in the pursuit of Leverkusen playmaker Wirtz, as Fichajes state they are eyeing a 'stellar' double deal for the pair.

Wirtz is known to be keen on working with Alonso when joining his next club after Leverkusen.

Madrid are drawing up a massive bid for Wirtz. The Germany ace will cost upwards of 100million euro, and potentially as much as 150m euro.

Once again, Madrid could ruin the plans of major Premier League sides. On October 19, respected German journalist Florian Plettenberg revealed Man Utd are firmly in the mix to land Wirtz.

Also on City's shortlist for the No 10 position is Wirtz's German compatriot Jamal Musiala. But he will be tough to prise away from Bayern Munich as the Bavarians want to build their team around him. 

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