Real Madrid's transfer plans involve Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland

James Shearman

• Updated: 30 May 2023 07:24 BST
• 4 min read

Real Madrid are trying to sign a striker in the summer to compete with Karim Benzema next season.

But, according to Marca journalist Pablo Polo Santias, they will only be a short-term option.

That's because Los Blancos are holding out hope of signing either Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland in 2024.

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Madrid were linked with a move for Mbappe last year before he decided to commit his future to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Frenchman is set to stay in France for at least one more season before deciding whether it is time to take the next challenge in his already illustrious career.

While Haaland was also rumoured to be of interest to Real before he ended up joining Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

Having broken the Premier League record for goals in a single season (36), there is no chance that the Norwegian parts ways with City in the next few months.

But Madrid are hoping that there is a chance he can be convinced to leave for the Santiago Bernabeu in the following summer.

Bellingham to Real Madrid

The worst-kept secret in football will be confirmed this week now that the Bundesliga is over, with Jude Bellingham joining Real Madrid for €100 million before bonuses.

But the English midfielder's value to Dortmund was much more than that.

"He's already a legend," club legend Karl-Heinz Riedle told FootballTransfers. "I've never seen a player, except maybe Erling Haaland, with the same quality.

He was already an astounding box-to-box midfielder at Birmingham City, but grew even further at Dortmund, and is now one of the best in the world at his position.

He can play any role needed and that is why Madrid are spending so much on him.

Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are coming to the ends of their careers. Which one will he replace? With his all-round ability, Bellingham could replace either. Or both.