Barcelona target ‘very close’ to joining Real Madrid – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid were initially expected to go all out to sign a star midfielder this summer, with links hinting at the possible signing of Rodri, Vitinha or Joao Neves.

As time has passed, however, all those links have significantly cooled down and the club have shifted their sights on alternative targets.

They are indeed still eyeing Mateus Fernandes as a pricey, yet long-term midfield signing, but Bernardo Silva as a free agent has quickly taken over as a top target to fill the creative void immediately.

Very close to completion

Silva has been linked with the holy trifecta of Spanish football – Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid – all in the ongoing summer transfer window.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid also want Silva. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

While initially rumoured to have an agreement in place with Barcelona, the player took a step back once Real Madrid arrived on the scene to re-evaluate his options.

Now, Ramon Alvarez reports that Silva is in fact very close to signing for Real Madrid. The player likes the project and sees a big role for himself under Jose Mourinho, making Los Blancos the best destination in his mind.

Low cost, high value

While Silva may indeed have left Manchester City owing to his age and the passing of the baton at the club, there is no denying that he is one of the finest players on the planet in his position.

Madrid-bound? (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Not only can he slot into the attacking and creative midfield role to make an immediate impact, but he can also add serious firepower on the right wing – a department where Real Madrid currently lack a quality option.

To sign a player of such calibre as a free agent, needless to say, is a steal from Real Madrid’s perspective and it will be their top priority to tie him down and make the signing official at the earliest.