Madrid's £87m Double Raid on Rodri and Schlotterbeck – But Konate Dream Slips Away?

Picture this: Real Madrid, nursing a season that's left them a bit wobbly by their sky-high standards, are already plotting a summer rebuild that could make your wallet weep. Still scrapping in the La Liga title chase and gearing up for Man City in the Champions League last 16, Los Blancos aren't letting a dodgy campaign halt their transfer ambitions. Interim gaffer Alvaro Arbeloa might be temporary, but the suits at the Bernabeu are sketching out deals like it's last orders at the bar.

Double Trouble: Rodri and Schlotterbeck Top of the Shopping List

Journalist Alberto Pereiro dropped a bombshell on Radioestadio Noche, claiming Madrid's first €100m (£87m) splash will nab Borussia Dortmund rock Nico Schlotterbeck and Man City midfield maestro Rodri (full name Rodrigo Hernández). These two are apparently 'top priorities', with deals edging closer. It's the kind of coup that'd have you spilling your pint in excitement.

Schlotterbeck, the 26-year-old German defender whose deal runs out in 2027, has been dodging Dortmund's extension pleas. That means BVB are keen to cash in now before he walks for free. Man United and Liverpool have sniffed around, but Madrid look to have the inside lane for a centre-back overhaul.

As for Rodri, Florentino Perez is a massive fan, and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reckons there's real internal buzz at Madrid. 'Rodri has fans in the management,' Romano noted, with his contract also ticking down to 2027. Whether it's bang on €100m combined or not, these aren't sealed yet – but the rumour mill's churning hotter than a Madrid derby.

Pereiro added a cheeky caveat: more signings hinge on who they flog. Fair play, it's transfer window Tetris – shuffle out the deadwood to fund the stars.

Konate Snub: Liverpool Flex Muscles in Free-Agent Scrap

Just when Madrid thought they were cooking, here's a curveball. TEAMtalk's Graeme Bailey exclusively revealed Liverpool have lobbed their 'biggest offer yet' at Ibrahima Konate to extend his deal, which expires this summer. The French centre-back was on Madrid's freebie wishlist, alongside Barcelona and Inter Milan.

Los Blancos have tabled an offer to his camp, but the Reds are smelling blood with 'new confidence' he'll stay put. They want a yes or no by Easter – less than a month away – to dodge summer sagas. Ouch for Perez; looks like Konate might be sticking with the Scousers after all.

Klopp to the Bernabeu? Fernandez on the Wishlist

Adding fuel to the Madrid madness, whispers suggest Jurgen Klopp could be their next boss, and he's got his eye on Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez. Reports claim the German legend sees the Argentine as a midfield puppet-master perfect for his high-pressing blueprint. 'Absolute priority,' sources say, wherever Klopp lands.

Madrid are keen on the ex-Reds chief, but will he swap Anfield echoes for the Bernabeu spotlight? And would Chelsea let Fernandez waltz? It's pie in the sky, but in football, that's where the best pies are baked.

Original reporting by Harry Watkinson at TEAMtalk. While these deals aren't in the bag, Madrid's summer shapes up spicier than a vindaloo. Fancy more? Keep your eyes peeled – transfers wait for no man, or pint.