Real Madrid Transfer News: Petr Cech January Bid Expected, Lucas Silva Targeted

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti wants to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech this January. The Los Blancos chief is reportedly ready to bid for the distinguished Czech Republic stopper.

But Cech won't be the only new addition to Los Merengues this winter. Ancelotti is apparently also keen on Cruzeiro midfield linchpin Lucas Silva.

It's Cech's name that instantly stands out, and rightfully so. Ancelotti is desperate to bring the 32-year-old marginalised Chelsea legend to the Bernabeu, according to London Evening Standard reporter Simon Johnson:

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Cech has lost his place as Chelsea’s No1 to Thibaut Courtois this term and already revealed he is thinking of ending his 10-year stay at Stamford Bridge.

So far he has made just two appearances for the Blues this term and is worried about losing his place in the Czech Republic national team should he remain on  the bench.

Real Madrid have been interested in Cech for some time. Coach Carlo Ancelotti worked with the 32-year-old at Chelsea during his period in charge between 2009-11 and sees him as a possible replacement for Iker Casillas.

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Courtois' presence means Cech likely stays on the bench for most of the season. But he certainly wouldn't be warming the lumber in the Spanish capital.

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Ancelotti has seen both Casillas and Diego Lopez struggle for consistent form. He signed ex-Levante keeper Keylor Navas this summer but apparently doesn't feel confident enough to let the Costa Rica ace usurp Casillas.

However, Cech would have no problem doing just that. He's still as good as any stopper on the planet.

A potential problem for Ancelotti is that Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho knows that. He knows exactly how fortunate he is to have both Courtois and Cech.

Few teams in European football can call on two quality keepers. Mourinho referenced as much following Chelsea's recent 2-0 win over Arsenal, a game in which Cech had to replace a concussed Courtois, per Reuters (h/t Mail Online Wires):

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We have two of the best three goalkeepers in the world. When one is injured and comes off, and the other one comes on, no problem.

There is no change in my heart. I was so confident Petr would once more do a fantastic job for us.

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That thinking could make Mourinho loath to sell. However, Ancelotti needs Cech to improve an obvious weakness in a team that won the UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey last season but finished third in La Liga.

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As important as Cech could be to Ancelotti's squad, Silva's arrival would be just as significant. Ancelotti has tabbed him to replace unsettled midfield powerhouse Sami Khedira, per Marca (h/t 101 Great Goals editor Benjamin Newman):

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According to the glossy splash, Cruzeiro’s defensive midfielder Lucas Silva is the player Real hope can replace Khedira at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Lucas Silva, 21, is tipped by Marca as being ready to break into the Brazilian senior squad any time soon after the youngster impressed at the Toulon Tournament in France last summer.

Despite his young age, Lucas Silva has already played almost 70 matches for Cruzeiro, however whether he is capable to stepping into one of the best teams in world football remains a big ask.

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The budding Brazilian star could answer an obvious need in Ancelotti's otherwise outrageously talented squad. Namely, the need for a defensive-minded player at the base of midfield.

Since parting ways with cerebral veteran Xabi Alonso this summer, Madrid look distinctly lightweight in the middle. Ancelotti has so far been content to trust technical marvels Luka Modric and Toni Kroos to protect Real's defence simply by monopolising possession.

Even without Alonso, Ancelotti felt comfortable loaning out rugged Brazilian Casemiro to FC Porto. He also hasn't given many chances to ex-Real Sociedad destroyer Asier Illarramendi.

The 24-year-old has made just two starts and four substitute appearances this season, per WhoScored.com. It's obvious Madrid have a need for a player of Silva's particular skills.

Back in July, Daily Mirror writer Jack Lang waxed lyrical about Silva's qualities:

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Tall, elegant and blessed with plenty of technical ability, he likes to start attacks from deep, clipping passes to his full-backs before striding forward. The 21-year-old also marshals the back four well and takes a tidy set piece. Destined to become a star.

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Ancelotti might secure a gem without having to indulge in Madrid's usual Galacticos policy.

In fact, if he completes the signings of both Silva and Cech, Ancelotti will balance his attack-minded squad with the kind of solid players it needs to improve on last season's trophy haul.