Three strikers Real Madrid are tracking including former Liverpool star | OneFootball

Real Madrid are going all out in reinforcing their squad ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup and are leaving no stone unturned to give Xabi Alonso the squad he desires to compete on all fronts.

The defence and midfield, unsurprisingly, has been core areas of strengthening but there is an increasing sense of urgency over the forward situation as well. After all, Real Madrid lack a lethal number 9.

Given the presence of multiple stars, the Merengues are not looking for any big names in the position. The manager, however, is tempted by the idea of a ‘Joselu’ style transfer to fit the bill.

Budimir, Firmino, Willian Jose on the radars

Los Blancos have been on a mission to identify a player who can arrive on a low transfer fee and low wages and embrace a minor role without fuss for a significant time now.

As relayed by AS, they finally have three names on their list who could be low cost, a veteran who can even serve as a threat in the air and score headers like a lethal striker.

Roberto Firmino is one of the options for Real Madrid. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

The first player who appeals to them is Osasuna’s Ante Budimir who will turn 35 next month and can thus bring great experience. He could be available for a fee of just €8 million and would not be opposed to a fringe role given his age.

Further, he was in red hot form in the recent league campaign with 21 goals in 38 appearances for the club and even racked up four assists in that duration.

The other names that appeal to Real Madrid are former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino and ex-Real Betis ace Willian Jose, both of whom are 33 years of age and in Saudi Arabia.

Competing with the Middle-East based clubs on wages to lure the player will not work, nor will fit the agenda. However, the club hope that the allure of returning to Europe could seduce either of them.

The coming weeks will be critical in deciding what Real Madrid see to be their best bet in the department. Giving an academy player more prominence is also not ruled out.