REAL MADRID could be set to employ an English backbone to their starting XI next season.
Los Blancos are reportedly tracking both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Adam Wharton.
Jude Bellinghamc could be getting two more English teammates this summer[/caption]
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold was approached by Madrid in January[/caption]
Los Blancos are reportedly tracking Crystal Palace playmaker Adam Wharton[/caption]
Three Lions star Jude Bellingham has already established himself as a regular at the Bernabeu.
The former Birmingham youngster made the switch to Spain from Dortmund for £115million in July 2023.
He has since gone on to become an England standout, helping Gareth Southgate’s men reach the Euros final last season.
Bellingham could be joined in the Spanish capital by two familiar faces over the summer.
Alexander-Arnold, 26, was the subject of interest from Madrid in the January transfer window.
He is out of contract in the summer, with Carlo Ancelotti keen on a move for the full-back.
Liverpool already have a ready-made replacement in Conor Bradley, with the youngster set for a mega 650 per cent pay rise at Anfield.
Crystal Palace midfielder Wharton is also being “closely monitored” by Madrid scouts.
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The 21-year-old recently returned to action after three months out following groin surgery.
He has impressed since moving to Selhurst Park from Blackburn for £22m in January 2024.
Madrid chief scout Juni Calafat is also said to be a big fan of the midfielder.
Wharton is expected to be named in Thomas Tuchel‘s first England squad later this month, alongside Bellingham.
Madrid veterans Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez are both out of contract at the Bernabeu in the summer.
Central midfielder Wharton and full-back Alexander-Arnold would fit the bill in replacing those departing stars.
But a Three Lions reunion in Madrid would not come cheap.
Southgate vs Tuchel records compared
THOMAS TUCHEL
Augsburg II 2007-2008
P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%
Mainz 05 2009-2014
P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%
Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017
P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%
Honours: DFB Pokal
Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020
P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%
Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2
Chelsea 2021-2022
P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%
Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup
Bayern Munich 2023-2024
P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%
Honours: Bundesliga
GARETH SOUTHGATE
Middlesbrough 2006-2009
P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%
England U21 2013-2016
P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%
Honours: Toulon tournament
England 2016-2024
P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%
Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024
Wharton is also being tracked by Manchester United and Liverpool.
He would cost in the region of £70m, per ESPN.
Should the pair end up in Spain, Madrid’s potential XI next season could feature a strong backbone of English players.
In our predicted line-up, ex-Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois starts between the sticks.
Alexander-Arnold slots in at right back, alongside fellow defenders Raul Asencio, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ferland Mendy.
In midfield, Wharton could partner Bellingham and Brahim Diaz.
While upfront, the feared trio of Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo would spearhead the attack.
