Real Madrid Transfer News: Marco Reus Reportedly Prefers Blancos to Barcelona

It's always a source of pride for Real Madrid and Barcelona fans when a player plumps for one club at the expense of the other.

And according to reports in Spain that could prove the case in the upcoming transfer windows, with Marco Reus ready to turn his back on the Catalonians in favour of a move to the Spanish capital.

The two eternal rivals have been battling it out for players’ signatures for decades, and it seems as though the Borussia Dortmund man is latest star set to join the likes of Alfredo di Stefano, David Beckham and Neymar in a tug of war between the two sides.

According to Marca (h/t 101 Great Goals), the Catalan club are keen on bringing the German international to the Camp Nou and will ask Reus to wait it out at Dortmund until their year-long transfer embargo—set to become active this January—expires.

Here’s a look at why the two La Liga juggernauts—as well as a host of Europe’s most illustrious names—are reportedly interested in Reus:

Indeed, it’s easy to see why Barcelona are keen on the 26-year-old. Reus has all the attributes to flourish at a European giant of a club, as we’ve seen him progress from an erratic, raw talent at Borussia Monchengladbach to becoming very much the main man at Borussia Dortmund. 

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

But with a release clause set to become active in his contract in the very near future, it seems inevitable the forward will leave the Westfalenstadion, especially when you consider the team’s position in the Bundesliga; Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently languishing down in 16th spot in the German top flight.

Alex Caparros/Getty Images

So it’s all well and good for the Blaugrana showing an interest in the player, but requesting that he stays at Dortmund for another year—a team that looks unlikely to secure Champions League football for the upcoming season—and turn down the chance to join up with the likes of Real Madrid is a big ask. Especially when you consider the sparkling form Los Blancos are currently in.

According to the piece in Marca, the European champions are intent on bringing Reus to the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite the increased interest from their great rivals, the Spanish capital remains the most likely destination for the player, with Real agreeing to match the highest amount bid for the German.

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

The piece also claims that Reus would prefer a move to Madrid, but either way he looks as though his heart may be set on a move to Spain, per RMadridHome:

"

Marco Reus has been taking spanish classes for 3 weeks now. Real Madrid & Barcelona are interested. [BILD] pic.twitter.com/y3clF0ZL2f

— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome) December 9, 2014"

However, Bayern Munich may well have something to say about that, according to recent reports. Having already taken Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski off Dortmund’s hands, they remain interested in Reus according to Sami Mokbel of the Mail Online.

Should they fail, Liverpool's Raheem Sterling is the backup plan:

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Despite being only halfway through the current season, Pep Guardiola is already casting his mind forward to the 2015-16 campaign, readying targets for his side.

Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus is known to be Bayern's first choice forward target next summer, but it is understood Sterling has been identified as one of the alternatives should a move for the Germany forward fail to materialise. 

"

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

With a host of Premier League clubs also perennially linked to Reus, it seems as though he will have a vast array of options to pick from.

At the moment, the reports emerging suggest he is most likely going to end up with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale at the European champions, but not too long ago, Bayern seemed in the box seat, proving things can change very quickly.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Of all the clubs touted as potential suitors, Barcelona looks the most unlikely, though. Reus seems set for a move away from the Ruhr club either in January or the summer, and that would rule the Catalan outfit completely out of the running.

But with Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi occupying the attacking spots, that shouldn’t too much of a concern for los Cules.

Reus may well have a fight on his hands for a spot in the Real and Bayern teams too, but he’s a confident player who would surely back his chances of securing a first-team place should he make the switch to either.

Given the quality he has showcased and the improvements he’s made year upon year, it’d be little surprise to see him make an immediate impact wherever he landed.