Real Madrid and Barcelona suffer blow as target gets new contract offer at current club: Reports

Real Madrid and Barcelona have allegedly been dealt a transfer blow as Germany midfielder Jamal Musiala has recently received a contract renewal offer at Bayern Munich.

Musiala, who has been linked with Real Madrid for close to a year, has established himself as one of the top attacking midfielders in the world in the past two seasons. The former Chelsea youth player has guided his team to 10 trophies, including four Bundesliga titles, so far.

Now, according to Spanish news website El Nacional, Bayern Munich have offered Musiala a new deal with the 21-year-old's current deal set to run out in June 2026. They are aware that their player has turned heads across Europe and are keen to protect his market value.

As a result, both Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly on high alert now. The La Liga champions are said to be planning to launch a move next year, while Hansi Flick's side are also hoping to do the same.

The Blaugrana, who are atop the La Liga table with 21 points from eight games so far, are confident that Musiala would turn down Bayern's recent contract offer. The club president Joan Laporta is allegedly dreaming of watching the German link up with Lamine Yamal soon.

So far this season, the Real Madrid-linked star has contributed three goals and as many assists in seven matches across competitions for his club. He has started all seven of his total appearances this term.

Barcelona urged to sign English defender

Speaking to online bookmaker BettingExpert, ex-Chelsea winger Pat Nevin stated that Barcelona should try to sign Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. He said (h/t Metro):

"He's ready at the top level. Don't worry Everton fans. If he stays, which I hope he does for the rest of the season, then great. He'll help Everton stay up which I'm confident they will. But if he goes, I wouldn't be surprised if the biggest clubs in Europe are in there. He can play for Barcelona. If they came in, I wouldn't bat an eyelid. He's fabulous on the ball, he's growing quickly with confidence."

Branthwaite, who was allegedly linked with Manchester United earlier this summer, returned from his groin injury to make his first appearance of the season earlier on Saturday. He rose to fame last term, helping Everton register 15 clean sheets in 41 overall appearances.

Barcelona, meanwhile, will hope to bounce back from their recent 4-2 La Liga loss to Osasuna in their next league match at Deportivo Alaves. Should they fail to win, Real Madrid could move to the top of the table.