Real Madrid is reportedly eyeing Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella as a potential successor to Luka Modric, whose future at the Santiago Bernabeu remains in doubt with his contract set to expire at the season’s end.

Luka Modric, who has been with Real Madrid for 12 years, boasting 39 goals, 83 assists in 518 appearances, and securing 23 trophies, has seen reduced playing time this season. With only 16 starts out of 30 appearances, including 11 in La Liga, the 38-year-old’s tenure at the club might be nearing its end. Carlo Ancelotti has admitted the complexity of Modric’s contract renewal, leaving the decision to the Croatian himself.

Should Luka Modric leave, Real Madrid, as per Fichajes, intends to pursue Inter’s Barella, leveraging the Serie A club’s financial challenges to their advantage for summer signings. Despite Inter’s reluctance to sell Barella, given their financial situation, they might demand around €60m (£51.3m) for him.

However, Barella’s willingness to leave Inter is uncertain, especially with reports suggesting he’s nearing a contract extension until 2029.

Having become a key figure for both his club and Italy, Barella has attracted attention from top European clubs, including Newcastle United, Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea.

In his over three years at Inter, Barella has played 223 matches, scoring 22 goals and providing 49 assists. As part of a team that reached last season’s Champions League final and currently leads Serie A by 15 points, Barella aims to add more trophies to his collection.

Real Madrid assigned banned referee for Champions League match against RB Leipzig