Real Madrid Transfer Rumours: 8 Latest Players Mourinho Could Target

Once the season ends, another begins for Real Madrid.

Always one of Europe's biggest spenders, Real figure to be busy again this summer in the transfer market. And that will be true even if Real keep winning.

Los Merengues lead La Liga by a whopping 10 points over Barcelona. They're also one of the favorites to win the Champions League.

But in Barcelona, Real have an ever-improving chief rival and an endless source of inspiration. To keep the rivalry running in high gear, Madrid and manager Jose Mourinho will surely be looking for new recruits this summer.

Who will Real buy? It's too soon to say, of course, but here are eight potential targets.

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Borja Valero

Borja Valero is a 27-year-old central midfielder who currently plays for Villarreal. He made his international debut last June, providing an assist during Spain's 4-0 win over the United States.

According to Spanish paper El Mundo Deportivo (via Goal.com), Real have "shown an interest" in Valero. The move would represent a homecoming for Valero, who featured in Real's youth system before spells with Mallorca and West Bromwich Albion.

Eden Hazard

The latest reports in the Eden Hazard transfer drama suggest that the 21-year-old Belgian winger is leaning toward a move to Tottenham (the Mail Online is even saying a deal is close).

But don't forget about Real Madrid. Other reports insist Hazard prefers a move to Spain.

At this point it's almost impossible to know what's fact or fiction. Until Hazard signs a deal with another club, it would be foolish to count out Real.

Robin Van Persie

Robin Van Persie recently denied reports that he's interested in Real Madrid. And you know what that means.

Actually, it doesn't mean anything either way. This story is destined to live on and on in the rumor mill.

Luis Suarez

After the latest Luis Suarez controversy, the rumors have returned. Once again, Suarez is being linked with a departure from Anfield.

Back in January, during the first Luis Suarez controversy, Real Madrid were linked with a £30 million bid for the Uruguayan forward.

Sergio Agüero

Last week, the tabloids erupted with stories linking Manchester City striker Sergio Agüero with a move to Real Madrid.

Last summer, the Argentine was linked with what would have been a controversial move from Atletico Madrid to Real Madrid. During his first season with City, Agüero has scored 15 league goals.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

According to the agent of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Real Madrid have "expressed an interest" in the AC Milan and Sweden striker.

No word yet on whether Ibra leaked the report to tick off Barcelona.

Gareth Bale

According to multiple reports, Barcelona and Real Madrid are both interested in Welsh winger Gareth Bale.

But the reports seem to suggest Bale is happy at his current club, Tottenham Hotspur. For now.

Fernando Torres

Disclaimer: This is pure speculation.

According to a December report in the Independent, Chelsea could sell Spanish striker Fernando Torres this summer if Torres continues to under-perform.

If that's true, Real Madrid could be a potential destination. One problem, though, is that Torres came through the Atletico Madrid youth system and may have a problem playing for Atletico's crosstown rivals.

But Real have been linked with Torres in the past and reportedly turned down a chance to sign him.

As ever with the rumor mill, you never know.