Real Madrid Transfer News: Gareth Bale Tipped to Fund Sergio Aguero, Marco Reus

Real Madrid have been tipped to sell Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema in order to fund the acquisition of Sergio Aguero and Marco Reus.

Spanish journalist Manuel Esteban claimed knowledge of such a plan during an interview with La Goleada (h/t Ben Jefferson of the Express):

"

Gareth Bale will not continue at Real Madrid and Benzema is also on thin ice. 

If they receive a big bid, they will not be hesitant. 

The dream is to combine Kun Aguero, Marco Reus and Cristiano Ronaldo, who would become the best front line in the world of football.

"

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Such an extraordinary claim, no matter how unlikely, is certainly worth weighing up. Carlo Ancelotti's side are currently on a tremendous 19-game winning streak, per BBC Sport, and are blitzing opponents with scintillating football.

This is possibly due to the manager finding great balance between his midfield and attacking lines. For example, Benzema's willingness to drop ever so slightly deep allows him to hold the ball up and spray wide for Cristiano Ronaldo and Bale. No pocket of space is left open ahead of the midfield, ensuring Madrid remain tight.

His power and work-rate are pivotal in the centre, providing midfielders such as Isco, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos with additional time to find space and maintain possession. It would be easy for Madrid to commit too readily when progressing up the pitch, leaving themselves exposed at the back, but Ancelotti's three-man midfield acts a both a springboard forward and shield for the defence.

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Bale's inclusion over Isco has a tendency to see Los Blancos play riskier football. The Spaniard is more effective when trying to maintain possession, but Bale's explosiveness is something only Ronaldo can match in the squad.

Ben Hayward of Goal.com suggests Isco provides "better balance in transitional phases," leaving Ancelotti with a decision to make each match.

Manchester United continue to be linked with the Welshman, who they tried to sign when it became clear Tottenham were going to sell. Aside from Angel Di Maria, Louis van Gaal's side lack the pace to quickly drive forward, something Bale would naturally add.

Bale set Madrid back £85 million in 2013, a fee which would likely come close to affording both Aguero and Reus. The Manchester City striker's constant injury troubles may limit his value, but he would surely come close to emulating Luis Suarez's fee of around £75 million, depending on form and fitness.

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United may be more inclined to bid for Bale if it means Madrid target Aguero, too. The Argentinian striker is a major part of any City success, meaning it would be beneficial for United to see him depart. Squawka noted Aguero's quality:

Reus represents a bargain if he can be snapped up for his £20 million buyout clause at the end of the season.

The German has fitness problems of his own, but Madrid would likely strengthen their battle against UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules by following Esteban's suggestion. Benzema could raise close to £40 million, leaving plenty of spare cash if combined with Bale's departure.

B/R UK guest columnist Guillem Balague believes Isco's progression toward becoming a "complete player" means he won't be sacrificed:

Of course, speculation is likely to continue right through the summer.

It will take a massive commitment from any potential suitors to lure either Bale or Benzema. Both rank among the club's most important players, so Ancelotti and president Florentino Perez would also need surefire alternatives to even consider mixing things up.