Real Madrid need to have a hugely successful summer transfer window and the signing of a world class midfielder is a neccesity. Florentino Perez didn't get his chequebook out in January putting all the focus on this summer and a much-needed rebuild.
Several midfielders are on Perez's radar and there are various factors being taken under consideration. This includes age, profile and transfer value which is why Paris Saint-Germain's Vitinha has been a topic of discussion.
Reports previously claimed that Los Blancos has ruled out a move for Vitinha who finished third in the Ballon d'Or race last year. The club were wary of the finances involved in a potential deal for the Portuguese midfielder.
Real Madrid make massive Vitinha decision
Vitinha is regarded as one of Europe's best midfield talents and won't come cheaply given his status in Luis Enrique's team. He has appeared 31 times across competitions this season, posting six goals and 10 assists.
According to Diario AS, Madrid have now made the 25-year-old their top target for the summer transfer window. They want to build a team that is capable of competing for and winning the La Liga title and the Champions League.
Vitinha was a key man in PSG's European title triumph last season and anchored his side with aplomb. He is the kind of ball-playing playmaker that Los Blancos have been crying out for since Toni Kroos and Luka Modric departed.
It's been previously reported that the club would wait for Vitinha to gesture about a move to the Estadio Bernabeu. The change in stance over pursuing him seems to suggest he hass given the green light to the Spanish heavyweights.
Vitinha will have three years left on his contract at the Parc des Princes when the season concludes. Negotiations with PSG could be difficult given the tense relationship between the clubs and it reportedly could take over 100 million euros to bring him to the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid decide on their Vitinha Plan B
If Madrid fail to convince PSG to part ways with Vitinha or feel the price it will take to sign the Portuguese is too much they have an alternative in mind. The report claims that Kees Smit is second on the club's wishlist of midfield reinforcements.
Smit has long been linked with Los Blancos amid a stellar season and rise in the Eredivisie with AZ Alkmaar. The 19-year-old is viewed as one of the most promising midfield talents in the world.
A potential deal for Smit will undoubtedly be less than the price that the club will have to pay for Vitinha. But the Spanish capital club face competition from Liverpool and Arsenal for the Dutch youngster.