Real Madrid exploring deal to sign 27-year-old Serie A star linked with Manchester United: Reports

Real Madrid are considering a swoop for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, who is also wanted by Premier League outfit Manchester United, as per Fichajes. The Nigeria international has been in excellent form, catching the attention of some of Europe's leading sides.

A front-runner for the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year award and the only African shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or this year, Lookman is at the top of his game. The former RB Leipzig forward struggled in the English top-flight as a young player before finding home in Bergamo, where he has become one of Europe's deadliest attackers.

The aforementioned report from Fichajes.net indicates that the Nigerian forward has caught the eye of Real Madrid, and they are prepared to make a move to sign him. The 27-year-old has previously been tracked by Manchester United, who are also interested in having him return to the Premier League.

Ademola Lookman was especially prolific in the 2023-24 season, guiding Atalanta to the UEFA Europa League, their first-ever European trophy. The Nigerian made history in the final, scoring a hat-trick to put Bayer Leverkusen to the sword and end their season-long unbeaten run.

Real Madrid have recognized their lack of attacking depth and will look to target Lookman for this purpose in the 2025 summer transfer window. The former Everton man is expected to cost around €70 million. With eight goals and five assists in 14 appearances this season, the forward justifies this price tag.

Lookman is attracting interest not just from Los Blancos, but also from Manchester United and some of Europe's other leading sides. The forward was reportedly the subject of a summer approach from Paris Saint-Germain, which ultimately failed to yield a transfer.

Real Madrid exploring move for Manchester United star - Reports

Real Madrid are considering a move to sign Manchester United midfielder Casemiro in the January transfer window, as per Brazilian outlet Trivela (via Mundo Deportivo). The experienced midfielder left Madrid for Manchester in 2022, but the transfer has not gone to plan.

Casemiro joined Manchester United for a reported £70 million, but the Red Devils are reportedly keen to sanction an exit for the Brazilian midfielder. His unconvincing displays in red have alerted his former club to the possibility of a deal happening.

Real Madrid are facing a severe injury crisis, leading manager Carlo Ancelotti to decide to draft Aurelien Tchouameni at centre-back. The club intends for Casemiro to replace the Frenchman in midfield, but the 32-year-old may not be keen on the switch.