Whenever the January transfer window opens there is little expectation that Real Madrid will do business. But a difficult start to Xabi Alonso's reign has fuelled talk of a potential acquisition arriving at some point this month.
A new midfielder seems to be a priority for the transfer chiefs and the club has been linked with several in recent months. The latest name to emerge as a possible target is AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit who is one of Europe's most promising talents.
Smit is only 19 but plays his football with maturity of which has made him highly sought after. But if Madrid are to move for the Dutch teenager it should mean curtains for another midfielder on Los Blancos' wishlist.
Real Madrid should pull out of Adam Wharton race
Another one of Europe's most highly-rated young midfielders is Adam Wharton. The Englishman is impressing at Crystal Palace and played a key role in the Eagles' unlikely FA Cup win last season.
AS reports that Madrid have joined the race for Wharton and that they have been offered the player. A potential fee for the 21-year-old is said to be upwards of €70 million but there is heavy competition for his signature.
Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are also thought to be eyeing the England international. Whenever an auction for a Premier League star ensues it usually ends up costing way more than the player's valuation.
That's why Madrid should cool their interest in Wharton and focus on bringing Smit to the Bernabeu. The Dutch starlet ticks all the boxes for Alonso and looks to be a generational talent who could be the type of creative outlet that Toni Kroos was throughout the legendary German's spell in the Spanish capital.
How much could Smit cost?
Madrid's transfer strategy is to continue building Alonso's team with the addition of the best quality prospects in world football. Smit is certainly one of them and will likely cost less than Wharton given he's plying his trade in the Eredivisie.
TEAMtalk transfer insider Graeme Bailey claims that AZ want more than €60 million to sell their star boy. That's a hefty price tag but could be worth it given the need for a player of his profile.
A Smit arrival could have a knock-on effect on Arda Guler who continues to struggle to convince. The Turkish midfielder's future is uncertain and reports suggest Arsenal and United are showing interest.