Real Madrid eye last-gasp move for Man Utd target - and ex-Arsenal star could hold key

Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing a move for England international Adam Wharton if Dani Ceballos leaves the club this summer. Ceballos has been heavily linked with a move to Marseille and his departure could force Real Madrid to act.

Los Blancos are one of several clubs that have been credited with an interest in Wharton, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City also said to be among the midfielder's admirers.

However, a new report from Spanish outlet AS claims that Real Madrid are ready to accelerate their interest if Ceballos leaves with Xabi Alonso keen to bring in a replacement. Ceballos, who previously spent time on loan at Arsenal, wants more game time and Marseille are ready to offer him that.

The report states that Marseille are hoping to agree a loan move with an obligation to buy, but the deal is yet to be finalised. The report states that Wharton is Real Madrid's top target, with Alonso a big fan of the 21-year-old.

It is claimed it would cost more than €80million (£69m) to persuade Palace to sell and that although it 'would be a push' for Real Madrid, they would certainly explore a deal. The report adds that there are two potential alternatives to Wharton on the table.

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AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit is also of interest to Real Madrid, with scouts said to be regularly visiting the Dutch club to keep an eye on his progress. However, they could turn to 18-year-old academy starlet Thiago Pitarch instead.

Alonso is said to be an admirer of the youngster and is 'considering the possibility of giving him a place in the squad if no one else arrives'. Pitarch signed a new long-term deal with Real Madrid earlier this month.

They have already spent almost £200m on new signings so far this summer, with Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alvaro Carreras and Franco Matantuono all making the move to the Bernabeu.

However, they have not made any sales so far, with Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquez and Jesus Vallejo all departing on free transfers after their contracts expired. Speaking after Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Real Oviedo on Sunday, Alonso said: "We have twenty-odd players in the squad and I'm going to try to get the best out of all of them.

"Sometimes you can have a few minutes and be important; today, Vini was important. My intention is that everyone contributes to the team. That's going to be the norm."

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