5 young Spanish talents Real Madrid should be targeting for the long-term

#1 Jorge Meré (FC Köln)

The young Andalusian would be perfect for replacing another, more famous Andalusian

Who to Replace: Sergio Ramos

Estimated Transfer Price: €25m

One of the most highly rated defenders to emerge from a league not exactly renowned for its defensive prowess, Jorge Meré has everything needed to get to the top and could prove to be a valuable long-term asset for Real Madrid if signed.

The youngster has been unfortunate to have been in weak teams (his former team Sporting Gijon were relegated from La Liga last season while his new German side is currently bottom of the Bundesliga table) but this has not stopped his quality from shining through.

A good reader of the game who defends with intelligence rather than brute strength, the Sporting Gijón youth product is good in the air and is aggressive-- traits that he shares with the player he would most likely replace if he ever moves to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Sergio Ramos has been an awesome piece of business ever since his €27m move from Sevilla at the very tender age of 19 but the captain is 31 and given the energy and passion he plays with, it is doubtful he will be around for the next five years.

Meré would be a great replacement for Capitan Fantastico and given Köln’s almost certain relegation, he would be a cheaper option compared to other potential centre-back targets.