4 midfield targets that Real Madrid are interested in signing 

Any successful side in football usually has one common trait: a great midfield, who are able to dominate the game when needed, helping become the bridge between defence and attack.

Real Madrid are no exception here and they have established themselves as the world's best team in recent seasons - having won four of the last five Champions League titles, typifying that.

Within their first-team squad, they have top-quality midfield players who are not only the best in their individual positions, but have shown the ability to gel in well together as a collective unit.

Isco is one of the world's best creative midfielders, Toni Kroos excels at passing over both short and long distances, while Luka Modric manages to combine both Isco and Kroos' best traits to form his own and Casemiro - despite early doubts - has proven himself to be a dependable rock in defensive midfield.

Despite this though, they need fresh reinforcements to their squad as they look to end Barcelona's domestic dominance in Spain. With new manager Julen Lopetegui in charge, they are reportedly keen on signing new midfielders and here are four reported targets that they are prepared to make approaches for this summer:

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#4 Christian Eriksen (Tottenham)

Eriksen would add another attacking dimension to Madrid's midfield.

The Danish international has been one of the Premier League's midfielders for a few seasons now and under Mauricio Pochettino, he has improved further to establish his credentials as a world-class playmaker.

He has often stepped up for Tottenham in big games and is Denmark's talisman on the international scene too. The former Ajax midfielder is reportedly attracting interest from Barcelona too, so if Los Blancos manage to convince him, it'd be a real signal of intent.

Modric isn't getting any younger at 32, and Eriksen is reaching the peak years of his career - so he'd be seen as a long-term replacement for the Croatian.

Eriksen would add another attacking dimension to Madrid's dynamic midfield and he is a creator who always has an eye for a killer pass. Tottenham, despite flashes of promise, are yet to perform convincingly for a whole campaign and thus, are unlikely to challenge for major titles anytime soon. The lure of major honours elsewhere with Real could tempt the Dane to follow Modric's path to the Bernabeú.

#3 Miralem Pjanic (Juventus)

Miralem's addition would prove beneficial - as he'd present excellent competition to Madrid's existing midfield

The Juventus maestro needs no introduction, he has been one of the club's most consistent players since joining from rivals AS Roma three seasons ago.

He often sits in a deep-lying role and is given the freedom to create at will for the Turin giants with his excellent range of passing. Always calm and composed on the ball, his defensive contributions are equally under-rated and the Bosnian proved an instrumental part of Juventus' fourth consecutive league and cup double.

Just like with Eriksen, Barcelona are reportedly prepared to go head-to-head with Real in battle for the 28-year-old.

Pjanic would provide good competition for Real's midfielders. In the absence of Kroos, he could control the game for them - or in Casemiro's absence, could play deeper in a defensive-minded stance.

Still only 28, he's reaching his peak years so now would be the best time to add him to their squad - though he will not come cheap, naturally.

#2 Sergej Milinković-Savić (Lazio)

Savic will help Madrid dominate midfield physically as well.

The Serbian International plays his trade of football in Italy with Lazio and he has made quite a name for himself in Europe, which has seen speculation surrounding his future increase as the months have passed by.

The former Genk midfielder is 6'4 inches tall, possesses good physicality and uses it to his advantage. An excellent dribbler of the ball, he crucially helps his team in a defensive sense too - aiming to relieve pressure on his defenders whilst equally starting attacks with purpose.

The 23-year-old is a reported target for the Champions League holders, though Lazio are unsurprisingly demanding a huge fee for his services and they're not the only ones interested. Juventus and Manchester United are two sides who are seriously considering a move, according to reports.

He would represent a fantastic addition to the Real Madrid side and at 23, has plenty of years left to fulfil his potential and continue improving at a rapid rate. With him and Casemiro at the base of midfield, they would dominate midfield with their physicality whilst both providing different options in various match-specific situations.

#1 Thiago Alcântara (Bayern)

Lopetegui wants to make Thiago his first signing at Madrid.

The Bayern Munich midfielder has made quite a name for himself since moving to the Allianz Arena. Pulling the strings in central midfield for the Bavarian giants, he is one of the world's best midfielders.

Most known for his excellent passing range, dribbling and playmaking ability, he possesses wonderful technique and is also able to play in the number ten role behind the striker, as well as deeper in midfield too.

Lopetegui is said to be a big fan of the Spaniard and wants to make him his first signing at the club. Unsurprisingly, Barca fans are keen for him to return to them instead - having spent eight years there previously.

Now 27-years-old, Thiago has plenty of experience when it comes to playing top-level football with high expectations and criticism at every corner. Lopetegui knows how to get the best from him, which makes the prospect of this transfer even more interesting, while the fact that he's a Barcelona youth product just adds icing on the cake from Real's perspective.