Real Madrid: Jadon Sancho top of Zidane's transfer plans

Zinedine Zidane has reportedly identified 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho as a priority target as he aims to separate the wheat from the chaff of his current Real Madrid squad this summer and add some fresh talent to the ranks.

German daily Bild reports that Zidane is willing to meet whatever financial demands Dortmund place on the deal, with Sancho valued at around 80 million euros. In all likelihood he will be valued at closer to the 100-million mark by the Bundesliga club with several other clubs also monitoring the situation.

Madrid have been leaning towards a policy of recruiting emerging talent in recent years with the addition of players such as Vinicius Junior, Brahim Díaz, Rodrygo (who is expected to arrive from Santos this summer) and Andriy Lunin all arriving before the age of 20 and several promotions from Castilla bringing the average squad age down to 26.3 in 2018-19.

Sancho already the full package at 19

Sancho not only fits the bill in terms of youth but has already proven himself on the biggest stages. The former Manchester City youth teamer has scored 12 times and provided 18 assists this season in 39 appearances and last October made his debut for the senior England side, with four caps now adorning his mantlepiece. He is also one of an elite group of players including Eden Hazard and Leo Messi to have completed a “double double” of goals and assists this campaign.

Madrid were close to signing Sancho in 2017 at the behest of Zidane but the player chose to move to Dortmund instead, for a fee in the region of eight million euros. The teenager will command a much more sizeable fee now if Dortmund can be persuaded to sell and his arrival would place further doubt on the future of Gareth Bale, with Sancho able to play on either wing.