Manchester United Transfer Target Toni Kroos Shouldn't Aim for Real Madrid Move

Bayern Munich and Germany central midfielder Toni Kroos has been widely linked with a move away from his club this summer, with Manchester United heavily rumoured to be interested in a big-money deal for him.

The most recent reports, however, indicate that Real Madrid are ready to move for Kroos, as per media in Spain (h/t talkSPORT), and they would be happy to give the German the chance to either move this season or play out one more year in Germany before moving to the Santiago Bernabeu on a free transfer.

Playing for Real has always got to be a big temptation for any player with aspirations of reaching the top but in this instance Kroos has to consider whether it would be the best move for him—and given his position, role and style, the answer has to be that it isn't.

"

Mirror: Kroos has told Bayern teammates he wants to join MUFC. Right before a big CL match. After saying he belongs to FCB. Shades of Götze

— Clark Whitney (@Mr_Bundesliga) April 8, 2014"

Kroos at Bayern

The first question, of course, has to be whether Kroos wants to leave Bayern at all. While Mirror Football and others report that he is interested in a move to Manchester United, the fact is he is a regular starter for arguably the best team in the game at present.

Gero Breloer

Kroos has played in all nine games for Bayern in the Champions League, starting eight, while in the Bundesliga only goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (27) and right-back Rafinha (23) have started more than Kroos' 22 games. That's the same figure as the likes of Philipp Lahm, Thomas Mueller and David Alaba, all key parts of the team.

Sure, there is big competition with the likes of Thiago Alcantara and Javi Martinez fighting for places too, not to mention Bastian Schweinsteiger, but Kroos' immense reliability and quality have ensured he has remained part of the side.

Perhaps the latter stages of the Champions League, if Bayern progress to the last four, will truly show if he is rated as a starter or a squad player by Pep Guardiola.

"

BREAKING: Bad news for Bayern as they only have Gotze, Martinez, Kroos, Muller or Thiago to replace Bastian Schweinsteiger in the 2nd leg.

— BBC Sporf (@BBCSporf) April 1, 2014"

Real Madrid's Maestro

Over at Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti has altered his line-up to fit a 4-3-3 formation, with Angel Di Maria and Luka Modric rampaging forward from the centre with energy and imagination to feed the front players.

Paul White

Kroos would likely be in direct competition with Modric for the role of chief creative central talent, a competition which he would have no guarantee of winning.

It's not because of his own abilities, which are clear to see and numerous, but because Modric has enjoyed an exceptional campaign, really coming into his best form and becoming something of a fan favourite for his mix of battling and brilliance.

"

Modric vs Dortmund; 73 completed passes, 91% pass accuracy, 1 assist. He also completed 4/4 take-ons and won 3 tackles. Sublime. @Squawka

— The Football Front (@ReviewFootball) April 2, 2014"

Could Kroos and Modric play together? Sure, but it's a brave manager who would remove Di Maria from the centre of midfield now. His energy and enthusiasm are vital to Madrid, who also have Asier Illarramendi, Isco and Xabi Alonso vying for different midfield roles, not to mention the long-term absentee Sami Khedira.

Better Options Elsewhere

For Kroos, it should be a question of which team will let him display his talents to their best capacity, and it's not certain that Real Madrid would at this point.

The same could be said for Barcelona, banned from transfers anyway, but also said to be interested in him, per the talkSPORT report. Manchester United absolutely need that kind of creative, controlling influence in the centre of the park and reports suggest Kroos favours that type of move even if it means a season outside of the Champions League.

It keeps circling back to whether the player himself wants to leave Bayern or whether he is merely angling for a better contract, but if the former, he can rest assured that there are no end of teams who would love him in their ranks.

Wherever he is next season, keeping him in the team and playing his passes should be his absolute priority, and that means no to Real Madrid.

Follow @karlmatchett