Real Madrid Transfer News: Miralem Pjanic Contact Reported, Latest Rumours

Real Madrid wish to sign Roma's Miralem Pjanic and want "to reel him in as soon as possible" as they plan their move for the Bosnian midfielder.

Jose Felix Diaz of Marca reported the talented playmaker, who has a €45 million release clause, has become an "out-and-out target" for manager Rafael Benitez as he looks to find a way to make his Los Blancos side tick. 

Madrid beat Real Sociedad in La Liga on Wednesday, but Benitez's side looked short of energy and flair as they stumbled to a 3-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Diaz said Real have already held discussions with the player's father—who acts as his agent—as Madrid charge forward to beat Barcelona and Bayern Munich to Pjanic's signature. 

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However, Diaz also added the Roma star wants to play for the Galacticos over his other suitors. He wrote:

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Pjanic has assured that 'Los Blancos' are his first choice, although it's a case of first come, first served - whoever first pays the 45-million-euro buyout clause wins the day. In Italy, rumour has it that a decision is to be made very soon and that [president] Florentino Perez is prepared to get his cheque book out to ensure the Bosnian dresses in white in the near future.

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Roma director Walter Sabatini recently confirmed Real's El Clasico rivals are interested in the midfielder, but he added that Pjanic won't be moving away from the Italian capital, per Di Marzio's David Amoyal:

The 25-year-old Serie A talent appears ready to make the next step in his career after serving his apprenticeship at Metz and Lyon in France. 

He has grown in a Roma shirt since joining them in 2011, and he has become a cult hero for the Giallorossi.

Pjanic has continued to impress this season, scoring nine goals in 20 Serie A and Champions League appearances for his side, according to WhoScored.com.

Here is a video displaying Pjanic's recent form:

Despite the link from Marca, Spanish football writer Sergi Dominguez debated whether the rumours of Madrid's interest are true:

The player could be seen as a direct replacement for James Rodriquez, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Spanish outlet Don Balon (h/t Matt Heath-Smith of the Sun) claim James' agent Jorge Mendes is "keen to broker a deal," with Chelsea as his preferred destination.

James was played at the heart of the midfield against Sociedad on Wednesday and was soon sacrificed by Benitez as the coach hauled him off shortly after the visitors equalised.

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The former Liverpool boss will be well aware of Pjanic's qualities after his time managing in Italy with Napoli, but it is questionable whether he will remain in charge after fans booed him at the Bernabeu against La Real, as shared by Bleacher Report UK:

Los Merengues are blessed with creative players, and it is baffling to imagine what Pjanic would add to the starting XI at present.

He is a very talented individual, but he has yet to climb to the status of players such as James, Gareth Bale or Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Serie A is a strong league but isn't a good barometer when comparing the challenges of Europe's top divisions. 

The midfielder could struggle in Spain if he makes the switch, with the pressure at Madrid set at boiling point this term, and he might be wise to remain at Roma in the short term. 

James has been restricted by Benitez since the coach took the reins at Madrid, and Pjanic might also suffer under the manager's strict regime and constrictive tactics.