Real Madrid transfer news: Alisson talks up transfer to Real, Carvajal to welcome former striker back, Perez to beat Barcelona to the signing of star defender and more - 17th March 2018

Real Madrid has not had the best of seasons in domestic competitions but Los Merengues have continued to be as imperious in Europe as they were last season.

Following the lifting of both the La Liga and UEFA Champions League trophies last season, manager Zinedine Zidane and club supremo Florentino Perez decided against making marquee signings in order to maintain the good balance the squad had.

Instead, the club focused on bringing in young players like Theo Hernandez & Dani Ceballos to act as back-ups in certain positions while some products of La Fabrica who had spent the 2016/2017 season out on loan: Marco Llorente, Jesus Vallejo & Borja Mayoral were brought back.

The dismal defence of the La Liga crown coupled with disappointing elimination from the Copa Del Rey as well as the need to replace underperforming players has seen the Madrid hierarchy draw up plans to play the transfer window in a manner reminiscent of the club's splurge in the 2009 summer window.

Here are some of the latest news concerning Los Merengues' rumoured transfer plans:

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#1 Alisson expresses delight at being linked to Real

Roma goalie Alisson welcomes links to Real Madrid

After being drawn against Real Madrid's arch-rivals FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, Gilallorossi's number one goalie, Alisson Becker has expressed delight at being linked to Real Madrid.

In an interview with Brazilian media outlet, Globoesporte, the Brazilian international who will be the number one for the Seleção at the World Cup in Russia said:

"Those links massage the ego, it cannot be denied. People get satisfaction from having recognition. I feel very happy to have that recognition. ‘It means that I am doing my job well, that they are watching me. ‘Even more so when one hears about Real Madrid."

With Liverpool also said to be interested, it remains to be seen if he will get his desired move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

He won't come cheap however as Roma's sporting director; Carlos Monchi and manager Eusebio Di Francesco think very highly of the 25-year-old and a potential transfer would definitely break the goalkeeping record fee currently held by Alisson's national teammate; Ederson after his £34.7m move to Manchester City from SL Benfica.

#2 Carvajal open to welcoming back Morata

The Spanish trio of Morata (R), Carvajal & Nacho after winning La Liga last season

Real Madrid and Spanish international right-back has said he would gladly welcome back the team's former striker Alvaro Morata back to the Santiago Bernabeu if the player decides to leave Chelsea.

Morata had left Los Merengues in pursuit of regular first-team football during the summer of 2017 and after a very bright start at Chelsea following his £70 move, the 25-year-old seems to have fallen out of favour with manager Antonio Conte.

The Spanish international has scored just once in his last 13 appearances for the Blues and this dip in form has led to him being excluded from the Spanish squad to face Germany & Argentina in international friendlies next week.

Speaking to Spanish podcast: El Transistor, the Real full-back said about Morata and whether he sees the Chelsea man returning to the Bernabeu for the third time:

“Yes, he’s a good friend and a very good player.” He is eager to make his mark at Chelsea, with there a determination to play his way into form, but Madrid will always be home.

#3 Real Madrid to trump Barca to the signing of young defender

The Slovakian

centre-back

is wanted by La Liga's big two

Some of the most recent reports from Spain indicate that Los Merengues have the edge on Barcelona as both clubs weigh up deals for the very impressive Martin Skriniar.

The Slovakian international has alongside Mauro Icardi been one of the Inter Milan's better performers this season and is set to be caught in a tug of war between the El Clasico rivals.

According to Don Balon, Real and Barcelona are monitoring him as the Catalans see him as Gerard Pique's long-term replacement.

Los Blancos on the other hand, want the Slovakian to partner captain Sergio Ramos at the centre of defence as doubts remain over Raphael Varane's ability to stay injury free and Jesús Vallejo's relative inexperience.

The newspaper reports that Real supremo Florentino Perez has gotten ahead of his Barca counterpart Josep Maria Bartomeu as he has already held talks with the 23-year-old's agent regarding a possible move.

It remains to be seen how this pans out but it promises to be one to watch out for when the summer transfer window opens after the World Cup.