Arsenal lead Tottenham in race to sign Real Madrid midfielder, Atletico Madrid ready to meet valuation for James Rodriguez, Paul Pogba could hand in transfer request and more Real Madrid Transfer News: July 12, 2019

After their disappointing end to the 2018/2019 season, Real Madrid would begin an arduous journey back to the top as they seek to regain their lost glory.

They have prepared adequately and with over €270m spent so far, Los Blancos have been by far, the biggest spenders in the ongoing transfer market.

However, there are still plans to bolster their squad while some players are also on the transfer list to be sold off.

With less than two months left in the transfer window, Zinedine Zidane would be keen to conclude his side's transfer dealings before they begin their challenge for next season.

In this piece, we shall be aggregating all the latest transfer news and rumors involving Real Madrid.

#5 Liverpool interested in Marco Asensio but Real Madrid demand Sadio Mane in return

Liverpool are interested in Marco Asensio

New reports emanating indicate that Liverpool are interested in getting the signature of Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio.

The defending European champions have one of the most fearsome front lines in the world, with Salah, Mane and Firmino firmly placed among the best in the business. But Jurgen Klopp is interested in getting quality backup additions to the squad and has turned his attention to Marco Asensio.

The 23-year-old Spanish international had been earmarked for great things but has not really lived up to the billing in the last two seasons. Zidane had earlier stated that he has plans for him.

Liverpool are reportedly willing to offer £68m for Asensio which would be a massive gain on the €3.8m Real Madrid paid Mallorca for his services in 2015.

The Spanish giants are however holding out for the inclusion of Sadio Mane in any deal involving Asensio's move to Anfield as Real Madrid are known admirers of the Senegalese international.

Last season, Mane scored 22 Premier League goals to finish joint-top of the scorer's charts and is currently starring at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.

#4 Paul Pogba could hand in transfer request to force move

After courting speculation with his statement that it might be time to seek a new challenge elsewhere, the dust seemed to have settled, as the Frenchman was among the players included in Manchester United's squad for pre-season.

Ole Gunner Solksjaer had even come out to publicly defend his conduct and professionalism, accusing the media of a hidden agenda against the World Cup winner.

However it seems that the last has not been heard in the Pogba saga, as new reports have emanated that the 26-year-old might have to submit a transfer request to force through his dream transfer to Real Madrid.

#3 Arsenal overtake Tottenham in bid for Dani Ceballos

Ceballos starred at the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship

Having failed to establish himself in the Real Madrid team over the last two seasons, Dani Ceballos is among those reportedly on their way out of the Bernabeu.

The 22-year-old made just 13 appearances last season, but was one of the stars as Spain triumphed at the Euro Under 21 Championship in Italy earlier in the summer.

Premier League side Tottenham had earlier been reported to be in the lead for his signature but new reports suggest that they have been overtaken by Arsenal.

Unai Emery seemingly wants the transfer to be temporary, with Arsenal's reported £45m transfer budget being a hindrance. But Real Madrid are interested in only for a permanent move.

#2 Real Madrid could sell up to six players to fund Pogba move

Bale could be on his way out of Real Madrid

It is no hidden secret that Real Madrid have nurtured an ambition to sign Paul Pogba for a while, with Zinedine Zidane being a known admirer of his compatriot.

However, any deal involving the former Juventus man would not come cheap, as Manchester United would be keen on getting at least nine figures for their star midfielder.

Having spent so much on transfers, Real Madrid cannot afford to sign another marquee name to avoid falling foul of FFP regulations and would have to sell some players to balance the books.

So far, Los Blancos have offloaded Matteo Kovacic, Marcos Llorente, Theo Hernandez and Raul de Tomas, but reports have emanated that the club is still looking to sell off six more players to fund Pogba's purchase.

According to the report, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Isco, Keylor Navas, Lucas Vasquez and Mariano Diaz are the players on the list.

#1 Atletico Madrid and Napoli set to battle it out for James Rodriguez

Deportivo de La Coruna v Real Madrid CF - La Liga

James Rodriguez courted world attention with his displays at the 2014 World Cup, but has not exactly reached the heights expected since completing his record breaking move to Real Madrid.

The Colombian international spent the last two seasons on loan at Bayern Munich, but the Bundesliga giants opted against making the move permanent.

With just one year left on his current Real Madrid deal, the club are desperate to offload him, as Zidane does not seem to have plans for him in the future.

Napoli seemed set to sign the 27-year-old which would have reunited him with former manager Carlo Ancelotti, but Real Madrid's city rivals, Atletico, have now entered the fray.

The Colchoneros have been one of this summer's busiest teams, seeing a host of players including Lucas Hernandez, Rodri, Diego Godin and Felipe Luis leave, and new player come in including Alvaro Morata, who was signed permanently from Chelsea, and the record breaking signing of Portuguese teenage sensation, Joao Felix.

They are, however, keen on adding creativity to their midfield and have turned their attention to James.

Atletico are willing to match Real Madrid's €42m valuation and if they are to finalize the move, it would come as a hammer blow to Napoli.