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Real Madrid have set their sights on Dario Essugo, according to Madrid Universal. The LaLiga giants are looking for a new defensive midfielder amid uncertainty around the future of Aurelien Tchouameni.
The Frenchman has struggled for form this season and Los Blancos are apparently looking for an upgrade. Recent reports have suggested that Real Madrid are open to his departure in 2025.
Manchester City's Rodri and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi have been named as possible replacements. However, it now appears that the Spanish champions have set their sights on Essugo.
The 19-year-old is currently on loan at Las Palmas from Sporting and has been quite impressive so far. Essugo has registered 11 appearances in LaLiga so far and is already tipped for a big future.
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Los Blancos are likely to keep him under close watch and could mount a move at the end of this season. The LaLiga champions have a habit of picking up the brightest young talents of the land and Essugo fits the bill. The player is under contract with Sporting until 2027, so he's likely to cost a fair fee as well.
However, Real Madrid haven't been afraid to splash the clash on talented footballers while Tchouameni's proposed departure could also provide funds for a move.
When are Real Madrid back in action?
Real Madrid returns to action on Wednesday, December 18, when they take on Mexican club Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup. Los Blancos have the chance to pick up their second silverware of the campaign this week.
Carlo Ancelotti's team had already won the UEFA Super Cup in August, defeating Atalanta. The game also marked Kylian Mbappe's first appearance in the fabled white shirt.
The French superstar moved to the Santiago Bernabeu as a free agent this summer and even scored a goal in his debut against Atalanta. However, the player picked up an injury last week and is a doubt ahead of the Intercontinental Cup.
Real Madrid have endured a mixed campaign so far and are third in the league table after 17 games. However, they are only a point behind leaders Barcelona, who have also played a game more.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos haven't fared any better in the UEFA Champions League. They have won three and lost three so far in Europe and are currently 20th in the UCL table.
