Real Madrid Transfers: 5 Candidates to Be the Next Galactico at the Bernabeu

Last week, BleacherReport.com highlighted some of the best African stars that should command some interest from Real Madrid.

This week, we unveil five legitimate candidates that have been connected in some way to a move to the Bernabeu. Rated as some of the top talents at their position and craft, most, if not all of them, have generated sincere interest from Los Galacticos. 

Obviously, Jose Mourinho's side will not sign all five of these quality footballers, perhaps not even two of them, but that would hardly stop the rumor mill from spinning.

In their search for upgrades at certain positions or mere additions of top talent, the Spanish giants have been relatively quiet as far as signings this summer. 

Here are five targets that could don the famous Real Madrid whites next season. 

Luka Modric

Most of the writing is already on the wall, and only a few things remain that should see Croatian star Luka Modric make the move from Tottenham to Real Madrid, a transfer that could cost the Spanish giants upwards of at least €30 million.

The rangy playmaker has made his intentions evident by not joining the club in the U.S. for its preseason fill of friendlies against European and American clubs. 

The two sides seem to be at odds over the price tag that would free up quite a load of cash for the Spurs to spend on their replacement efforts, but Modric has made it very clear of his desire to join the La Liga champions.

Micah Richards

It is no news that Real Madrid have been shopping for an add-on for its right fullback position, and seeking out Manchester City's Micah Richards would be quite an addition.

A physically gifted defender, Richards is also blessed with great closing speed, an asset he can utilize on both ends of the pitch. The 24-year-old has recently been linked to Real Madrid, and according to the Daily Star, the Spanish giants are willing to toss £20 million to move him to the Bernabeu.

Richards may have been out of favor at some point during last season, but he definitely presents the youngest and most athletic option for Roberto Mancini's side. If the England international were to make the switch, it may come as a shock to some, but it would also be a hefty payday for City, which is still looking to acquire new players.

Maicon

He was in the mix for a move to the Bernabeu last summer. A year later, those rumors have resurfaced for Inter Milan's Maicon to make the switch to Real Madrid.

But at a beyond ripe 30 years of age, there is a necessary concern of durability. Despite the worries, though, Maicon is still one of the best in the business when it comes to playing right fullback.

And herein lies a legitimate problem for Real Madrid. Do the Galacticos throw what they can at Manchester City in hopes of landing one of the top young players entering his prime in Micah Richards, or do they splurge far less to lure the Brazilian mainstay to Madrid?

According to Inside Futbol, Maicon has requested to be excluded from Inter's Europa League roster, perhaps in an attempt to expedite a move to La Liga.

Lucas Moura

One of the top young players on the planet, Lucas Moura, has garnered interest from some of the top clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid, Manchester United and Inter Milan.

The 19-year-old midfielder-winger is a tantalizing dribbler and creator, and the biggest clubs will be forking over top cash to land the ultra-talented Brazilian. Commanding a hefty transfer fee of around €35 million, only time will tell if the starlet will be worth the asking price.

According to Marca.com, Lucas will not decide on his future until after the Olympics, meaning transfer rumor nuts will have to wait that much longer for what is potentially one of the biggest moves of the summer.

Robin van Persie

Probably the most unlikely of the top candidates to join Real Madrid, there simply is little smoke surrounding Robin van Persie and a move to the Bernabeu.

The soon to be 29-year-old posted a career season last year with Arsenal, recording 30 goals for the Gunners while making an appearance in all 38 league contests, something he has never done in his 11-year professional career.

Manchester City and Manchester United have had all the attention in the RVP sweepstakes, with Real Madrid laying well below the spotlight for the £30 million-rated Dutchman, according to Daily Mail.

Given the current state of affairs up front, though, the club would have to move at least one of its strikers out to make room for van Persie.