Real Madrid Transfer News: Miralem Pjanic Targeted, Fresh Lucas Lima Rumours

Real Madrid will intensify their pursuit of a new midfield maestro in 2016 after it surfaced the Spanish giants are interested in deals for Roma's Miralem Pjanic and Santos playmaker Lucas Lima.

Jose Felix Diaz of Spanish daily Marca reported that Real have already contacted Pjanic's agent regarding a move to the Bernabeu next year and have sounded him out regarding a first-refusal option.

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The Bosnia and Herzegovina international is regarded as one of the most potent creative forces in Serie A, but Pjanic has also shown an acute finishing touch with eight goals in 15 outings this term.

Roma director Walter Sabatini confirmed Real's El Clasico rivals Barcelona are also interested in the player, but added Pjanic won't be moving away from Rome, per Di Marzio's David Amoyal:

It's hardly the first time Real Madrid have been told their business isn't wanted sniffing around a target, but that's unlikely to deter Los Blancos as they seek significant change in 2016.

Spanish football writer Sergi Dominguez recently insisted Pjanic's style would be better-suited to that of Barca, however, and La Liga's current leaders may look like the more enticing prospect on current form:

According to Transfermarkt, four of the midfielder's goals this term have come from free-kicks, and although James Rodriguez is already among the world's best from a dead-ball position, Pjanic could add another free-kick threat.

Marca reporter Diaz mentioned the 25-year-old was brought to Roma from Lyon four years ago for just €11 million, and the Giallorossi stand to make a substantial profit should they indeed choose to cash in.

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Santos are also likely to receive a quick profit if 2014 signing Lima leaves the Brazil outfit next year, which looks very plausible following reports the attacker's agent will meet with Real Madrid representatives.

According to David F. Sanchidrian of Spanish newspaper AS, Wagner Ribeiro will travel to Spain's capital in December for a meeting with Real president Florentino Perez, with whom he has "a good relationship:"

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In principle the meeting between the two will be informal, but there’s a good chance the name of Lucas Lima will come up, seeing as Pérez has already asked about the availability of the player, several months ago. Gabigol is the other name that may be discussed, with the Brazilian striker being closely followed by Barcelona and other European giants.

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Los Blancos' non-EU spots are currently occupied by South American trio James Rodriguez, Casemiro and Danilo, meaning a winter deal would have to see one of those three leave the club first.

Of the trio, midfield man Casemiro may be viewed as the most expendable, and Sky Sports correspondent Paulo Freitas has emphasised the need for Lima to begin his European jaunt sooner rather than later:

The Santos star has nine goals in 29 appearances this year, earning him a place in Dunga's Brazil setup after making his debut earlier in 2015.

Lima could be the latest Selecao sensation to become a hit at the Bernabeu, but Real Madrid have several substantial hurdles to climb before any January deal can materialise.