5 Players Real Madrid Should Be Targeting in the January Transfer Window

Real Madrid have had a good start to their season. Good, not great.

Cristiano Ronaldo's stunning form has helped mask some prominent issues in the squad, but there is certainly room for improvement. Carlo Ancelotti could be looking to reinforce some positions in the January transfer window if the right prospects are made available.

After adding five young players in the summer months, don't expect a big haul, but Madrid have proven that they aren't afraid to splurge. An injury to Sami Khedira and a misfiring Karim Benzema have left the door to the Bernabeu wide open.

The following are five players the club should be targeting to win La Decima and take back La Liga.

Ramires, Chelsea

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After watching Sami Khedira go down with a torn ACL last week, Madridistas everywhere wondered what the ramifications would be. The German midfielder has started 14 of Madrid's 15 games he was available for this season and has been a solid presence in the middle of the pitch.

But no longer.

Eyes move to replacements in the squad. Xabi Alonso is on his way back to fitness after a long layoff, Asier Illarramendi has been decent thus far, and Casemiro is a bit too raw to fill that gap.

While Alonso and Illarramendi are the closest direct replacements, it could be that the two are incapable of playing together—for their style is too similar. 

While Luka Modric can certainly fill the deep playmaker role, one wonders how Madrid would function with a true box-to-box midfielder.

Ramires offers such a style.

The slender Brazilian is exceptional on the ball and has remarkable stamina. He could slide right into the midfield and is capable of operating in both a holding role and as a more active distributor.

Though Jose Mourinho has ruled out the sale of the player, according to Goal.com, there is no question that he would strengthen the squad.

Ilkay Gundogan, Borussia Dortmund

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Another potential plug for the absent Sami Khedira is Dortmund's Ilkay Gundogan. The German is just 23 years of age but is one of the best midfielders in Europe.

Gundogan was critical to Dortmund's Champions League run a season ago, scoring the leveler from the penalty spot in the final. But his services could be used at the Bernabeu.

The player began his career as a No. 10, and evidence of his playmaking ability finds its way into his style. Gundogan is an extremely efficient passer, completing 87 percent of his attempts in the Bundesliga last term—best on his team.

That type of passing prowess lends itself to Madrid's possession-based approach this campaign, and he could be the perfect complement to Alonso in the middle.

Sergio Aguero, Manchester City

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It is no secret that Karim Benzema has been a weak link in the Madrid attack. Despite posessing all the necessary physical attributes, the Frenchman can lose his focus, resulting in some glaring misses.

Alvaro Morata has provided decent assistance thus far, but the youngster is too inexperienced to lead the line for Los Blancos.

Madrid should pursue a top striker during the January window, and Sergio Aguero should be high on that list. The Argentinian marksmen is having a standout year for Manchester City, having notched 10 goals and four assists in just 11 league appearances.

That type of scoring record has caught the eye of Madrid, though the player insists he is happy at the Etihad, according to Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star.

But that doesn't mean the club won't come calling. Media comments have proven to mean little in recent times, and Aguero might think twice about passing up the chance to head back to the Spanish capital.

Radamel Falcao, Monaco

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Many were puzzled when Radamel Falcao elected to join the newly funded Monaco team this summer. The player was one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, and speculation continues to swirl.

Falcao is just 27 and should be entering the prime of his career. His nine goals in 14 Ligue 1 appearances indicate that no matter where he plays, goals will come. January offers the striker another chance to re-examine what his aspirations are.

Madrid should make sure they do not miss out. Falcao offers everything a modern striker needs—size, strength and composure.

With Ronaldo and Gareth Bale storming in from the wings, Madrid could use a poacher capable of bullying the back line and finishing off the play. The Columbian might just be the right man for the job.

Luis Suarez, Liverpool

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Real Madrid made their affections for Luis Suarez known in the summer months, and I am guessing that his absence has indeed made the heart grow fonder.

Suarez is an unbelievable talent. A look at his highlights from last year gives a glimpse into the astonishing dribbling and impossible finishing he is capable of.

The forward would be a significant change to Benzema's approach. Suarez is incredibly dynamic, moving freely around the defense in search of the ball and the net. His movement could open up even more avenues to Ronaldo and others to exploit in the final third.

Rumors about the transfer are easy to come by. According to Miguel Serrano of Spanish sports publication Marca, Liverpool are prepared to offer up the Uruguayan for the right price. Nothing is certain, but a big-money move for the striker would certainly make Madrid's attacking bunch the most lethal in Europe.

Suarez should be the primary transfer target for the club in January if they wish to add a top-class striker with a big upside.