Real Madrid Transfer News: Big-Name Stars Targeted by Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti isn't the type of manager to be satisfied with the talent currently at his disposal, and Real Madrid are sure to continue chasing perfection in the January transfer window.

Los Merengues' squad strikes as one of the strongest in Europe at present, but that hasn't stopped a steady wave of speculation assaulting the Bernabeu's borders of late.

Read on for a breakdown of the most recent Real Madrid transfer news, with the club looking to bring a certain Spanish international back to La Liga from his English abode.

Christoph Kramer

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Several months after starting as a shock inclusion for the 2014 World Cup final, Christoph Kramer's star continues to grow amid interest from Ancelotti's Real.

The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder wouldn't be available until next summer as he's currently enjoying the second season of a two-year loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach, but admits the attention from Real is flattering.

However, Kramer also isn't committing to any one team just yet, quoted by German newspaper Berliner Morgenpost (h/t Daily Mail) as saying: 

"

Of course (going back to Leverkusen) is an option for me. They have a good coach in Roger Schmidt and they play an attractive style of football which would also suit me.

That has always interested me. I would not be afraid of (going abroad). I want to find out what my limit is and I always strive for the very best. I wish I had cut out and hung that article on my wall. To be linked with Real Madrid is an enormous honour for me.

"

Los Blancos have already made one German acquisition in centre midfield over recent months, with Toni Kroos now thriving as one of the key playmakers in Ancelotti's line-up following his summer switch.

In addition to those quotes, however, David Amoyal of GianlucaDiMarzio.com quotes Kramer's agent in saying Leverkusen is the player's only option right now:

Circumstances can change a lot in the space of six months, though, and should Real show increased fervour in their race to acquire the German international, Kramer's head could be turned.

David de Gea

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Louis van Gaal has relied heavily on the goalkeeping heroics of David de Gea to see his Manchester United side through a host of results this season, but the Dutchman could be saddened to see his No. 1 leave in 2015.

That's after reports emerged that the former Atletico Madrid stopper has rejected a new contract at Old Trafford in favour of a move to Real Madrid, per Fichajes.net (h/t Metro).

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Life in the Premier League got off to a rocky start for the 24-year-old, but after adapting to the physicality of England's top flight, De Gea now sits as one of its most revered players in his position.

The Spanish international might not have a chance to strut his talent for several weeks, however, after dislocating a finger, per the national team's official website. As Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News noted, the issue worsens Van Gaal's injury concerns:

Iker Casillas' place at Real and in the Spain squad has come under intense fire over the past 18 months, the veteran's standards having dropped even after Diego Lopez's summer move to Milan.

Costa Rican Keylor Navas was signed over the summer to provide goalkeeping competition, but it seems Ancelotti is seeking a new No. 1 of an altogether more elite calibre.