Real Madrid Transfer News: Buzz Surrounding Blancos' Rumoured January Departures

Few teams in world football are as exciting to follow as Real Madrid when it comes to transfer dealings, and after a busy summer, fans are already starting to get ready for the January window.

As one of the top clubs on the planet, Los Blancos' star players are often popular names in the rumour mill, and this window won't be any different. Several outlets are already speculating about potential departures and big-money offers from foreign leagues, so here's the latest on Real's reported targets for other teams.

Sergio Ramos

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Sergio Ramos has been the man at the heart of Real's defence for many years, and according to El Chiringuito (h/t to the Daily Star's Chisanga Malata), Manchester City and Chelsea are very interested in the Spain international.

This isn't the first time Ramos' name has been brought up in transfer rumours. Back in March, his brother and agent Rene Ramos confirmed an English club made an offer for his services, via Malata:

"

Out of respect to the club I will only say that they are English.

The offers are very, very big in economical terms, but we are at the club we want to be at. The best in the world.

So, more than once, I had to say 'Thanks very much for your interest, but no.' I reiterate, right now, leaving Real Madrid is a non-starter.

"

As one of the top centre-backs on the planet, it's only normal plenty of big clubs are interested in a potential move for Ramos. The 28-year-old has been with Real since 2005, and at the very peak of his abilities, it isn't inconceivable he could be tempted to try his luck elsewhere.

That said, Ramos is arguably the team's most important defender and has given no indication of wanting a change of scenery. A regular for one of the biggest clubs in the world, it's very unlikely any club will be successful in prying Ramos away from the Spanish capital.

Isco

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Isco has been linked with a move away from Real since the arrival of James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos during the summer, but as reported by Goal's Mark Doyle, the midfielder made it very clear he wants to stay right where he is. When asked about Rodriguez, he said:

"

We are compatible. He is a quality player and I have not had any problems with him. James is helping us a lot.
 
We all know that the competition for places is high here. It's true that (I) began last season as a starter, but nobody remembers that now.

Like all players, I always want to play. But I am ready to be in the team whenever the coach wants.

I'm playing very little and hope to play more. Last year was amazing, winning titles, and I am very happy at Real Madrid.

"

Carlo Ancelotti has done everything possible to dismiss the notion he may not be fond of the player, per ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan:

The 22-year-old is widely considered to be one of the biggest talents in Spain, and given Real's incredible depth, it's normal Ancelotti often opts to play more experienced players and rotate his squad.

Like Ramos, Isco is yet to give any indication he's unhappy, and he has made it very clear he wants to fight for his minutes rather than move away from the club. While it's never certain what a player will do once potential suitors start making promises, fans shouldn't expect Isco to leave Madrid in January.

Sami Khedira

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One player who is likely to leave Los Blancos at some point in the future is Sami Khedira, who is in the final year of his contract. According to Fichajes (h/t to The Independent's James Orr), Arsenal are working on a deal that would see the Germany international move to England in January.

Khedira hasn't played all that much in 2014-15 (two substitute appearances, per WhoScored.com), and with his contract set to expire, Los Blancos could be tempted to cash in, rather than watch the 27-year-old walk for free during the summer.

Everything will depend on said contract situation, however. According to Marca (via Jan Aage Fjortoft), Real are interested in extending his current deal:

With a reduced role in midfield and plenty of competition from other, younger players, it seems unlikely Khedira would be interested in a contract extension. By letting his current deal run out, he could pick his favoured destination as a free agent in the summer.

The right offer could lead to a sale in January, providing the player signs off on the move. A more likely scenario involves Khedira staying put until June, however, and leaving the club at the end of his contract.

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