Real Madrid have reportedly identified Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella as a potential replacement for Luka Modric.
The 38-year-old is facing an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu as he is due to see his current contract expire at the end of the season.
Modric has spent 12 successful years with Los Blancos, recording 39 goals and 83 assists in 518 appearances across all competitions as well as winning a total of 23 trophies.
The five-time Champions League winner has struggled for regular first-team football this season, though, having started only 16 of his 30 appearances, including just 11 La Liga starts.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti recently acknowledged that Modric's contract situation at Real Madrid is "complicated" and that the Croatian will ultimately make the final decision on his future.
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Should Modric part ways with Real Madrid this summer, Fichajes reports that they La Liga leaders will step up their interest in Inter star Barella.
The report adds that Inter's financial situation could work in the favour of Los Blancos, who are expected to have significant funds available for summer reinforcements.
However, it is also claimed that Inter are not prepared to part ways with Barella easily, despite their financial predicament, and would demand a figure in the region of €60m (£51.3m) for the midfielder.
In addition, it remains to be seen whether Barella would be interested in leaving Inter, as multiple reports have recently stated that the 27-year-old is close to extending his contract at San Siro until 2029.
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Barella has spent the last three-and-a-half years with Inter and has developed into a star player for club and country, with clubs from La Liga and the Premier League believed to be keepings tabs on his progress.
Indeed, Newcastle United were allegedly interested in signing Barella last summer before they opted to recruit Sandro Tonali from rivals AC Milan, while the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in Inter's No.23.
The 51-cap Italy international has made a total of 223 appearances for Inter across all competitions, scoring 22 goals and providing 49 assists, including two strikes and five assists in 36 games so far this season.
Barella, who was part of the Nerazzurri squad that reached the Champions League final last season, has won six trophies during his time at the club and is hoping to lift at least one more this term, with Simone Inzaghi's side currently sitting 15 points clear at the Serie A summit.
Oliver Thomas
