Real Madrid Tranfer Rumors: Top 5 Alternatives to Neymar at the Bernabeu

Through-out the whole of this off-season and transfer window, Real Madrid has been heavily linked with young Brazilian striker, Neymar. Despite the Santos man's unending potentially and skill, the bountiful money of Florentino Perez could possibly be used to buy different or more experienced players.

Although Neymar is a great player, he has a poor attitude and at this point in time, Real Madrid do not need another diva in the dressing room. With no experience in Europe or European leagues, it could take longer than Madrid or Neymar, himself, are willing to wait for adjustments to the different and stricter demands of La Liga and the Champions League.

Apparently, Santos are asking £40mil for the young man, it seems unlikely Real Madrid are willing to spend that on a nineteen-year-old this point in time. Not to mention, Mourinho could perhaps be looking elsewhere at other ready-made stars and likely at lower prices.

Here are five players Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho could buy instead of Neymar that will improve the already mighty Madrid:

Robin van Persie

This past season, the Arsenal vice-captain scored a grand total of 22 goals in 33 overall appearances. He has proven multiple times he is absolutely lethal in front of the net, scoring in Arsenal's three most recent pre-season friendlies.

Before being given the boot from the Champions League in March, Robin van Persie scored a goal against eventual champs Barcelona that will never be forgotten by Gooners. Coming down the wing, van Persie shot the match-ball into the box, leading Barca 'keeper Victor Valdes to believe it was a cross. It was the goal that tied the fixture and inspired a beauty from Arshavin a mere five minuets later.

The two biggest problems with van Persie is injuries and loyalty.

The Dutchman is famously injury-prone, hardly lasting a month without some kind of problem. In fact, this past weekend,van Persie ended Arsenal's friendly against Portuguese outfit, Benfica,with an injury. This could change if he arrives at the Bernabeu. New doctors and perhaps new training methods could see van Persie's glass legs turn to steel.

An even bigger issue than the injuries is van Persie's loyalty to Arsenal, the Arsenal cause, and Arsene Wenger. Although not an issue to the Gunners and its fans, the striker has admitted his love over and over. Telling fans and the press that he's "received many proposals to leave Arsenal, but my heart speaks louder and will not let me leave.” This could get in the way of Los Blancos's plans...

Fernando Llorente

Heavily-linked with a move to Madrid in January, the Bilbao man has stayed put with Los leones. Linked with a move to Tottenham as well, Real would most likely have little problem outbidding them, if Llorente wanted to move...

The striker scored a total of 19 goals, capping 41 times last season with the Basques. It's not farfetched to suggest Real Madrid's midfield is better than Athletic's, imagine a powerful sharp-shooter like Llorente in front of a midfield with players such as Ozil, Alonso, or Kaka. He would surely break the 20-goal mark.

Llorente would be amazing back-up to Cristiano Ronaldo and the partner of Mourinho's choice. In case of injury like last season or a packed schedulale, Llorente could come in handy, playing when the first choice are being rested.

Not to mention, Llorente's 6ft5" physique, which would help ward off physical teams Real Madrid could face in the Champions league.

Only thing? Llorente doesn't seem to want to leave Bilbao any time soon. But, Florentino Perez is a good business person and with Champions League, Mourinho, and one of the world's biggest clubs involved, who knows what could happen!

Carlos Tevez

The Manchester City skipper has been long linked with a move away from Eastlands and Real Madrid could potentially offer that escape for the skillful Argentine.

The joint Golden Boot winner netted a full 20 goals in just 28 League appearances, helping his team to a third place finish, just behind Chelsea on goal difference. As captain, Tevez recently led the Manchester side to an FA Cup, playing 88 minuets in the final which added to his 4 appearances and 3 goals in the competition.

Despite reportedly wanted a move back to South America, Madrid might be able to tempt the striker into a move to the Bernabeu. Tevez playing the central forward role with Ronaldo to his right could possibly make one of the most lethal combinations in Europe.

Unfortunately, if the purchase of Tevez went through: either Higuain or Benzema would most likely be benched in favour of City man.

Chicharito (Javier Hernandez Balcazar)

The former Guadalajara striker proved to be a fantastic purchase by Sir Alex Ferguson as the Mexican moved from strength to strength in the Premier League.

He took joint top-scorer Dimitar Berbatov's started position in the new year after being nicknamed the 'super-sub' for coming on and saving Manchester United from embarrassing losses.

The 23-year-old Mexican made a total of 45 appearances in just his first season for the Red Devils, scoring 20 times. Capping 29 times for Mexico, which included the Gold Cup triumph, Chicharito netted 21 times.

If the striker ended up completing a move to Madrid, he would most likely begin in the same way he did at Manchester United. He would be a 'super-sup', coming on in times of trouble. Against teams like Sporting Gijon and Osasuna that generally park the bus when the Madrid fixture rolls around, Chicharito could hypothetically come on and bring home the points for Real as he did with United.

Nemanja Vidic

Although nothing has been reported of interest from Los Blancos, the Manchester United skipper would be an amazing purchase for the Spaniards. Tall and intimidating, Nemanja Vidic is a rock in the defense of Manchester United.

Not much can get past the Serbian, who has capped 234 times since arriving in 2005 from Spartak Moskva in the Russian Premier League. He has also appeared 54 times for Serbia since making his debut in a draw again Italy in 2002.

Vidic would most likely get a starting position upon arrival at the Bernadeu if a deal were to go through. In games like El Clasico, Vidic would partner with Carvalho in central defence, while Pepe moves to midfield. It may not even be necessary for Pepe to be put in midfield if Vidic is playing (not to disregard Pepe and Carvalho's abilities).

Also, Carvalho's age could come into play. He turned 33 this past May and this upcoming season could be one in which he begins to take things slower. With the theoretical arrival of Vidic, Carvalho would start to slow down and play less games.