Real Madrid Transfer News: Paul Pogba Touted for Switch, Latest Danilo Rumours

Real Madrid are famous for landing huge names on an annual basis. With James Rodriguez, Gareth Bale and Luka Modric in the bag over the last three years, former Los Blancos striker Nicolas Anelka believes the club should pursue Juventus' Paul Pogba.

While Anelka would like to see the midfield behemoth join Chelsea, another of his old teams, he admits Madrid would be an excellent option. Anelka spoke to France Football (h/t Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express): "Paul technically knows everything and he has the qualities to play anywhere. My preference is for him to join Chelsea, who have very strong players and the financial power of [Roman] Abramovich. Also Real Madrid, who are one of the biggest clubs in the world, if not the greatest. He would grow a lot under Carlo Ancelotti."

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Manager Carlo Ancelotti has managed to add balance to Madrid's midfield this season, often deploying Toni Kroos in a three-man setup alongside Rodriguez, Isco or Sami Khedira. Modric's injury problems continue to limit his playing time, underlining what terrific strength in depth the European champions possess.

Throwing Pogba into the mix would almost seem unfair for other sides. He is an all-action star—someone who has scored seven goals and provided six assists this season. He averages 2.4 tackles, a pass accuracy rate of 83.3 percent and two shots on target from the midfield every match. The 21-year-old is well developed for his age and can already be considered among the continent's best.

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Despite focusing on the acquisition of youth during the January window, highlighted by the signings of Martin Odegaard and Lucas Silva, it wouldn't be beyond Madrid to spend massively on a player of Pogba's ilk.

Mino Raiola, the player's agent, recently admitted he will only move for a "record price," per Telefoot (h/t Kieran Gill of the Mail Online). Considering Madrid recently set that record with the £85 million capture of Bale, they can be considered one of the top candidates to lure Pogba away from the Old Lady.

His transfer would be among the biggest of the summer; there's no doubt about it. B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and Matteo Bonetti recently discussed a selection of other potentially massive deals:

Madrid also continue to be linked with Porto full-back Danilo, someone who is now being touted for a move to Liverpool or Juventus, per Portuguese newspaper A Bola (h/t Peter Guy of the Liverpool Echo).

The Brazilian reportedly has a €50 million release clause in his contract, but he could be available for "upwards of €20 million," according to A Bola.

Danilo is an ambitious defender, someone who loves to burst forward and interact with Porto's attacks. The 23-year-old has three goals this season and would add extra flair to Ancelotti's flanks, replacing the more conservative Dani Carvajal or Alvaro Arbeloa.

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Madrid's squad is crammed with world-class quality, so any signing would need to hit the ground running upon arrival to make a significant impact at the club. Danilo could well be one of the year's bargains if he did move, such is his potential.

Pogba's future remains a hot topic around Europe, particularly as he is a one-of-a-kind talent who can be used as a centre-piece for any team. Whether he's to significantly impact Madrid's future remains to be seen.

Stats via WhoScored.com unless otherwise noted.