Positions and players that Europe's top five non-English clubs should target in January

#1: Real Madrid

Positions that need strengthening - Striker, Winger

Real Madrid have struggled this season

The biggest surprise of the 2017/18 season so far has been Real Madrid's form.

Coming into the season in a rich vein of confidence, having thrashed arch-rivals Barcelona 5-1 on aggregate in the Spanish Super Cup, many analysts believed it would be another clean sweep for Los Blancos this term.

But how things have changed so drastically since then. Having finished second in their Champions League group, while performing poorly against Tottenham, their punishment is a tricky tie against fellow European heavyweights PSG in the last-16.

The curious case surrounding Real is a difficult one to decode. They have almost the same squad, barring a few departures, who were all replaed with younger talents.

At present they are already eight points off top spot in La Liga, while they continue to drop points regularly against smaller sides themselves. Their home form is a worry, as they have struggled for consistency in matches - which they had no problems with last season.

Cristiano Ronaldo has not been performing at the highest level this season

The attack has struggled to garner goals, especially in the league. Ronaldo has four league goals, whereas nine in Europe's elite club competition which is inbalanced. With that in mind, mid-table sides like Malaga in Spain are considered stronger opposition than APOEL Nicosia - who the 32-year-old netted four against in two group stage fixtures.

Karim Benzema is clearly no longer at the peak of his powers as he struggles to make much impact in the majority of their games too. Toni Kroos has also been uncharacteristically poor this season. Giving the ball away cheaply on so many occasions, it is no coincidence that they struggle without the German's controlling nature in matches.

Gareth Bale's injury problems seem never-ending while Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio have failed to capitalise on first-team opportunities in the Welshman's absence.

Asensio started the season well, but has faded away since

Consequent to the above reasons, Real need to look at strengthening the following positions - winger and striker.

Eden Hazard (Chelsea) has been a long-term target for Los Blancos. He'd definitely fit right into the scheme of things, and his transfer can be funded by the sale of injury-prone Gareth Bale - who has continually been linked with a return to England.

An excellent dribbler who has averaged 4.5 dribbles per game this season, he can provide an exciting attacking front. The fact that he's not a player who is goal-hungry would alos benefit Ronaldo a lot, while acquiring his services could prove to be a masterstroke as Real look to get their season back on track.

Eden Hazard to Real Madrid: Will it happen?

Karim Benzema has not been up to the mark for a while now, and the need for a world-class striker is now more than ever. Borja Mayoral has done well whenever given the chance, but with the knockout stages approaching Madrid need an experienced and effective forward.

Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund) has previously admitted that a move to Real Madrid would be a dream for him. Lightning quick, he would be an asset to their counter-attacking style of football and has been regularly linked in recent seasons.

Despite struggling to replicate his goalscoring efficiency this term in a struggling Dortmund side, he remains an option that the Spaniards may explore.

Another player they are reportedly scouting is the young German Timo Werner (RB Liepzig). Although fairly inexperienced, Werner has proven that he can do well under pressure with good performances for Germany in the Confederaions Cup this past summer. If they were to try and sign him, it would represent a gamble but one which could pay dividends in the coming years..

Despite his struggles of late, Aubameyang is one of the world's best strikers