Real Madrid keen to improve squad in January, look at 2 PL stars as potential signings - Reports

Real Madrid are interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur's Cristian Romero and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite in the upcoming January transfer window, as per TEAMtalk. Los Blancos are reportedly keen on strengthening their squad amid multiple injuries.

In their last La Liga clash against Osasuna (November 9), Real Madrid had three more injuries added to their list. While the match ended in a 4-0 win for Los Blancos, Eder Militao, Rodrygo, and Lucas Vazquez were forced to come off the pitch after picking up injuries.

The Spanish giants already had Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, and Thibaut Courtois on the sidelines. With Real Madrid having four players in their defensive line out injured, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make some additions to the squad in the upcoming transfer window.

CaughtOffside reported that Cristian Romero has not entertained Los Blancos' interest in the past, but that the club is anticipated to make another move for him in January. The Argentine's current contract at Tottenham is valid until the summer of 2027.

TEAMtalk reported that Romero could be open to a move to the Santiago Bernabeu if the Spanish giants make a substantial a bid. However, Tottenham Hotspur chairman Dany Levy has mentioned that the club will only entertain a fee of around £150m for the 26-year-old. The defender has helped his side keep two clean sheets in the Premier League this season.

Jarrad Branthwaite, meanwhile, is also reportedly on Madrid's transfer target list for the January window. The 22-year-old also has a contract with Everton until 2027. The Toffees have set a strict fee of over £75m for him, as per TEAMtalk. The Englishman has helped his club maintain one clean sheet in four league appearances this season.

During his two-year tenure as head coach at Everton from 2019-2021, Carlo Ancelotti had an opportunity to manage Branthwaite. The Englishman could therefore be a good fit in the Spanish capital under the experienced manager.

---

Carlo Ancelotti on Real Madrid making new signings in January

Following the 4-0 win against Osasuna in La Liga, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti shared his thoughts when asked about the club making new signings in January amid injuries. The Italian manager did not provide a definitive answer but did not rule out the possibility of new additions to his squad. He said (via Forbes):

"We'll evaluate it in the coming months. The only thing we can do is recover as many players as possible. In January, we will see. I don't think about signings because we have to prepare games with the ones we have."

With seven injuries in the current squad, Ancelotti has some tough decisions to make in the coming months. Following the international break, Los Blancos are set to play against CD Leganes in La Liga on November 24.

This will be followed by their UEFA Champions League clash against high-flying Liverpool on November 27. The European champions are currently in 18th place in the standings while the Reds are top of the table.