Real Madrid Transfer Rumors: 4 Star Players Los Merengues May Target in January

La Liga play has begun, and after five matches Real Madrid and the rest of the field are looking towards January to seek improvement for their squads.

Los Merengues have been the center of many transfer rumors all year long, and now the pressure is on to gain an advantage in order to dethrone Barcelona as Liga champions.

Several players are on manager Jose Mourinho's target list. Some are plausible transfers while others are merely wishful thinking.

The following are players Real Madrid may make a pitch for in the winter.

4. Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez, the Uruguayan international playing for Liverpool, has been linked to Real Madrid as a possible alternative to Neymar.

This deal is unlikely because of the amount Suarez will cost, and Liverpool not likely to give him up. Should Madrid find itself needing a forward come January and Neymar does not sign, look out for Suarez possibly to possibly be on the transfer market.

3. Maicon

It's no secret Real Madrid can improve on defense.

Brazilian international star Maicon Douglas Sisenando, or simply Maicon, can help jump-start such an improvement. 

Maicon has been rumored to be leaving Inter Milan for over a year now and Madrid has been one of the few interested teams linked with the defender.

A move to Madrid would certainly provide a boost to Sergio Ramos and the rest of the Madrid backfield.

2. Carlos Tevez

A year ago Carlos Tevez was on top of the world with Manchester City, scoring 25 goals in 29 Premier League matches.

Today Tevez is a man lost, stripped of his captaincy and left to ride the bench for Man City. Even reverse trick shot failure Balotelli was called before Tevez in City's latest fixture against Everton.

Despite his troubles with Man City, there is a chance Tevez can rebound and he certainly has the talent to do so. He could provide a good option behind the forwards already on Madrid which consist of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Gonzalo Higuain.

1. Neymar

The biggest name out there linked to Real Madrid is 19 year-old Brazilian international Neymar.

There have been few rumors as hot as this one since before the beginning of the summer window, and news regarding Neymar's move, or lack thereof, is still circulating.

Neymar has reportedly said time and time again that he insists on staying with Santos for the immediate future and denies a move to Madrid.

Rumors will continue to circulate around Neymar and Madrid and chances are Madrid will pursue the young Brazilian even harder come January.