Real Madrid add PSG star to transfer shortlist in search of Toni Kroos successor | OneFootball

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha as a belated successor for Toni Kroos, although the Spanish giants are increasingly unlikely to delve into the January transfer window.

Carlo Ancelotti's side finished 2024 on a high, lifting the inaugural Intercontinental Cup by defeating Mexican outfit Pachuca in the final. Kylian Mbappe racked up five goals across his final six appearances of the year, bouncing back from rock bottom just as Madrid climbed towards the La Liga summit.

Following a blistering start from Barcelona, the Catalans have cooled in recent weeks, affording Madrid the chance to move into second place, just one point adrift of city rivals Atletico.

The reigning European champions have been hampered by a ruinous injury record this season, losing Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao to season-ending ACL tears while David Alaba is still yet to return from his own knee problem. Ancelotti has openly asked for reinforcements in January, but the club have definitively closed the door to that possibility according to Spanish outlet AS.

Toni Kroos' influence over Real Madrid's midfield has not been replaced / Gerald Matzka/GettyImages

Madrid may not be active in the winter window, but they have already drawn up a light sketch of their plans in the summer. Alongside a leaking defence, midfield has been highlighted as a weakened area ever since Kroos' retirement in June.

PSG's 24-year-old schemer Vitinha has emerged as a new candidate to fill the considerable void left by the German icon. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers controller has excelled in the French capital, establishing himself as an undisputed starter under Luis Enrique who is capable of dictating play from deep while offering a potent goal threat from the edge of the box.

Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi is another name put forward. While the Euro 2024 winner is unlikely to move in January, Real Madrid will have to compete with a glut of Premier League clubs for the 25-year-old Spaniard next summer.

In their pursuit of defensive cover, Madrid have singled out Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, per another report from AS. The talented and towering Spain Under-21 international only left Juventus to move to the south coast in July but has quickly impressed during his first five months in the Premier League.

The Athletic claim that Madrid are considering a move for Al Nassr's veteran centre-back Aymeric Laporte - who would be open to a transfer - alongside the youthful alternatives of Palmeiras' Vitor Reis and Napoli's former Madrid academy graduate Rafa Marin.