Real Madrid Transfer News: Blockbuster Deals Rumoured for January Window

Real's Madrid potential deal to sign Marco Reus continues to dominate the headlines as we move toward the January transfer window, despite any move for the Borussia Dortmund forward more likely to go ahead in the summer.

Marc Williams of the Daily Star suggests Los Blancos are willing to pay his £20 million buyout fee and that "a lucrative five-year-deal has seemingly made Reus' mind up."

While this conflicts Florentino Perez's assertion that the FIFA World Club Cup champions are "not looking at Reus," per AS, Madrid supporters will at least take some comfort from hearing they reportedly lead the race for the German's signature.

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Carlo Ancelotti's side are in excellent shape right now, so it's not surprising to see a minimum of world-class players linked to Madrid. Many reports suggest high-profile outgoings are more likely, perhaps in preparation for a mouthwatering summer spend.

Sami Khedira, who has struggled to make much of an impression throughout 2014, will reportedly be offered a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea, per Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard. The defensive midfielder worked well under Jose Mourinho at the Bernabeu and could add a proven half-measure between Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic to the Stamford Bridge lineup.

Khedira is strong in the tackle yet not as powerful as Matic. He is capable of creating chances but doesn't provide attacking service like Fabregas. His all-round game is situated somewhere between the two and could offer Mourinho a versatile box-to-box or deep lying alternative.

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The World Cup winner would certainly improve Chelsea's squad even further, a vital achievement if the club is to challenge on multiple fronts this season.

It's possible Khedira's departure could be offset by the arrival of Cruzeiro's Lucas Silva, who recently admitted his desire to play for the European champions, reported by Marca (h/t Anthony Chapman of the Express):

"

Of course it would be a dream to play for Real Madrid, I make no secret of that. It would be an honour for me to join that team, but in order for that to happen both clubs have to come to an agreement. All I can do is wait.

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Silva's qualities can be seen in the video below:

Full-back Fabio Coentrao is also being touted for a swift exit. James Dickenson of the Express suggests Manchester United, Arsenal, Besiktas and AC Milan are among those ready to bid for the Portuguese left-back.

The suggested £25 million fee seems way off the mark—Coentrao continues to be a periphery figure in the Spanish capital—especially when you consider Madrid would make a profit if they sold him and bought Reus. Pablo Polo of Marca reports that Marcelo faces three weeks out with a minor muscle tear, so Coentrao is likely to receive greater prominence after Christmas.

Strange rumours continue to suggest Gareth Bale will leave. John Richardson of the Express reports the "exclusive" story that Bale "has given the green light" to return to the Premier League with Manchester United, but this goes against the insight offered by his agent in November.

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The Welshman is an integral part of Madrid's success and offers a combination of pace and power that even Cristiano Ronaldo struggles to match. He would be an excellent signing for United, but Perez rarely cashes in less than two seasons after world-class signings arrive.

Madrid picked up four trophies during 2014 and look set for plenty more next year. Subtle signings and departures could improve the squad further still, but right now, it looks as if outgoings are more likely as January approaches.