Real Madrid Transfer News: Marco Reus Casts Major Doubt over Barcelona Rumours

Real Madrid received a big boost in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund's Marco Reus on Friday, as the star forward revealed he is unlikely to join rivals Barcelona during the summer transfer window.

Responding to rumours he could be joining the Blaugrana, the Germany international questioned whether there was a spot for him in the Catalans' starting XI, per the Daily Express' Joe Short.

"Where would I play at a club where the attack is made up of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar?" he asked.

The 25-year-old is reportedly wanted by a host of Europe's top clubs, including Los Blancos, Barcelona, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Liverpool. His contract reportedly has a release clause of just £20 million, which can be triggered at the end of the current campaign, per Short.

Dortmund have struggled throughout the 2014-15 season, and as shared by Eurosport.com, the German is widely expected to leave the club during the summer:

According to Bleacher Report's Jonathan Johnson, Los Blancos are the favourites to land his signature:

Reus has had some issues with injuries, but when he's healthy and at the top of his game, he's undoubtedly one of the most uniquely gifted forwards in Europe. The German has pace, technique and scoring ability to boot and has a tendency to drift all over the pitch, helping out defensively by putting plenty of pressure on the back four.

Form has been an issue during the current campaign, however. As shared by Sport Witness, German newspaper Bild has been very critical of the 25-year-old for a perceived lack of effort:

Despite his poor play in 2014-15 and the injury concerns, demand for his services should be high in the summer. Barcelona are currently unable to sign any new players due to a transfer embargo, and Reus' latest comments indicate he won't consider the Blaugrana as a potential destination.

Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey and Matteo Bonetti recently talked about the options for the Germany international when he decides to leave Die Schwarzgelben, and given his relatively low price tag, he could be in for a massive increase in wages:

Real undoubtedly have the finances to convince the forward to make the move to the Spanish capital, but Reus' comments on rivals Barcelona should be a matter of concern for the Champions League holders.

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar make up one of the world's best attacking trios, but Los Blancos' posse of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale are at the very least just as good as anyone Barcelona have to offer.

If Reus is afraid he won't be a regular starter for Barcelona, why would things be any different with Real? Ronaldo and Benzema both rank in the top five of La Liga's top scorers, per WhoScored.com—benching either would be madness at this point.

Bale is the world's most expensive player and a great fit for manager Carlo Ancelotti's high-paced counter-attacking system—he too won't be demoted any time soon. The Italian could alter his formation to find a spot for Reus, but given the club's recent successes, one has to question whether that would be wise.

If playing time truly is Reus' primary concern, a move to the Premier League would certainly make more sense. Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool could all use a player of his caliber, and they'll be willing to offer wage packets just as tantalising as Real.

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