Premier League trio on radar of Real Madrid as they plan midfield rebuild

Real Madrid’s long-term planning for life beyond their current midfield core is well underway, and fresh information from AS has shed light on the names being seriously considered at the Santiago Bernabéu.

While several established stars across Europe are admired, it is Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar who has quietly risen to the top of the club’s internal shortlist.

According to the report, Madrid’s recruitment department has assessed a number of high-profile midfielders as part of its succession planning.