Ancelotti to sideline Aston Villa for support machine to replace Modric

Real Madrid are ‘seriously considering’ a move for a £50m assist machine Unai Emery wants to bring to Aston Villa, according to reports.

Toni Kroos hung up his boots this summer and his compatriot Luka Modric, Real Madrid icon, could follow suit at the end of the season. The 39-year-old Croatian veteran is in the final year of his contract and is no longer a regular starter at the Bernabeu.

According to a Spanish media SheetsReal Madrid are seriously considering signing Alex Baena from Villarreal to replace Modric.

The 23-year-old five-cap Spain international has attracted attention with his spectacular assists since the start of last season. Indeed, Baena provided 18 assists in all competitions last season and returned five assists in just seven matches this season.

Real Madrid are reportedly paying “special attention” to Baena who can be signed via a €60m (£50m/$66.3m) release clause.

Caught offside recently claimed that Aston Villa and Newcastle were also showing interest in Baena. Of the pair, it is Villa, thanks largely to Unai Emery, who has the upper hand. Emery previously managed Baena during his time at Villarreal.

The Spanish report acknowledges the threat posed by Premier League sides and notes that Real Madrid are ready to step up their efforts to avoid missing out on their Modric heir.

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Aston Villa and Newcastle must act quickly

Caught offside claimed that Villa and Newcastle “both want to get the deal done as early as the January transfer window”.

As such, Real Madrid may have to follow suit if they want to prevent the Spaniard from moving to England.

The presence of the release clause simplifies the life of purchasing clubs. Villarreal can be completely removed from the equation and Sheets said Real Madrid would have no problem activating the clause.

Real Madrid would, however, prefer to wait until the summer before doing so, meaning all hope is not lost for the Premier League pair.

Note that Baena has mainly been deployed in a more advanced position on the left side for Villarreal this season.

Nonetheless, Real Madrid are apparently convinced that Baena’s best position would be in central midfield.

Transfer of Aurélien Tchouameni / Jhon Duran to Real Madrid?

Elsewhere, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has torched rumors that Liverpool could sign Rodrygo to replace Darwin Nunez.

Nunez had been linked with Atletico Madrid, although neither he nor Rodrygo will be on the move anytime soon.

Rodrygo’s teammate Aurélien Tchouameni continues to be linked with a move to Anfield and two separate reports in Spain have provided updates.

Elsewhere, Villa striker Jhon Duran has been backed to secure a future move to the Bernabeu.