Real Madrid Transfer News: Marco Reus Told to Join as Gareth Bale Rumours Grow

Former Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes has told Marco Reus to join Real Madrid.

The legendary manager, who ended his stint at the Allianz Arena by winning an excellent treble in 2013, suggests Bayern's strength in depth should play a major role in Reus' decision to join the European champions, as reported by Sky 90, via Tom Webber of Goal.com.

"I would recommend going to Madrid," said Heynckes. "Bayern have four or five world-class players up front. Where would Reus play? If he really has that (release) clause of €25 million, all the big European teams should go for him."

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Heynckes mentions the reported £20 million buyout clause, which comes into effect at the end of the season. This minimal price tag would allow many top clubs to have the opportunity to speak with Reus, including Madrid, Bayern, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Marc Williams of the Daily Star believes Reus has "agreed" to join Los Blancos "next summer," but this isn't substantiated with official confirmation. Rumours of Gareth Bale's unlikely departure continue to grow and may be fuelling the story further.

B/R UK guest columnist Guillem Balague, writing for AS, recently suggested United are willing to pay €153 million to take Bale to Old Trafford. Even so, he says Madrid have "no intention of selling" the player who has scored in all three major finals since he joined the club in 2013.

Such speculation has seen the story catapulted to headline news, as tweeted by 101 Great Goals:

It certainly wouldn't be any easier for Reus to break into the Madrid team at present. Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema offer a terrific balance between pace, power and finishing quality. Beyond them, Jese Rodriguez is getting back to fitness.

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The so-called "BBC" work excellently together, interweaving seamlessly, as noted by San Lorenzo captain Juan Mercier, who couldn't grasp their movement during the FIFA Club World Cup final, as reported by Marca:

"

You realise that the three forwards never stand still for a moment. They run in front of you, then behind you, then one comes into the picture and another drifts away...They're constantly on the move. The other day they didn't play the way we're used to from when we watch them on the telly.

"

Reus may find more opportunities at Bayern. He is completely acclimatised to the Bundesliga and could benefit from outgoing transfers in Bavaria. Arjen Robben continues to be linked with a move to United, a transfer that could potentially see Reus come in and allow Bayern to make a profit.

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Xherdan Shaqiri is expected to eventually leave due to a lack of chances, creating further room in the squad. Granted, Reus will find it difficult to maintain a place with players such as Franck Ribery, Thomas Muller and Mario Gotze around, but he's more than capable of matching—if not surpassing—their quality. Pep Guardiola will sooner rotate his selection than Ancelotti will drop Bale or Ronaldo.

Rumours surrounding Reus will kick into overdrive when the January transfer window opens. Dortmund's positioning in the Bundesliga relegation zone doesn't help, while the confirmed signing of Kevin Kampl further adds to indications Reus will depart, as reported by BBC Sport.

Bundesliga specialist Raphael Honigstein doesn't believe the Slovenian international is a direct replacement, however:

Heynckes' comments certainly highlight the difficulty of Reus' decision. If he's to leave the Westfalenstadion, it has to be for a team who can improve his game. Stints on the bench are only going to frustrate.

Madrid, Bayern and the rest will continue to be linked until an agreement is made. It's not often such a talented player is available for so little, making Reus' future one of the stories to watch as the January transfer window develops.