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Real Madrid News Real Madrid’s only realistic midfield option this summer is a €45m Dutch talent – report Real Madrid are set to kickstart their season later this evening when they take on Espanyol, with fans excited about Jose Mourinho integrates the existing setup with the six new signings the club have made this summer. However, despite the many signings, Real Madrid are still lacking a new midfielder, having earlier missed out on Rodri, who is now at rivals Barcelona. The club are still on the hunt for a new defensive midfielder and had recently set their sights back on an old target, Martin Zubimendi. Zubimendi links dismissed According to journalist Jose Miguel Villarroya, as reported by Defensa Central, Real Madrid have denied that Zubimendi is a genuine target in the final weeks of the window, despite his name resurfacing as a possible solution following the Rodri disappointment. The Arsenal midfielder is admired for his ability to control possession and dictate tempo, but the club do not appear prepared to explore a deal. Real Madrid are not keen on Zubimendi, particularly with Arsenal valuing him at around €100 million, having invested heavily in him themselves only last year. The same report also denies that Mourinho has been personally pushing for the move. Few alternatives left With Zubimendi seemingly off the table, Real Madrid’s options are increasingly limited. And one name being floated as a more realistic option is Feyenoord’s Kees Smit. According to Villarroya, the Dutch midfielder could be available for around €40 to €45 million, a figure that would fit far more comfortably within Real Madrid’s budget. The financial logic could also work in the club’s favour given their existing relationship with Jorge Mendes, who represents Smit and could potentially help facilitate exits for unwanted players such as Raul Asencio or Eduardo Camavinga as part of a wider arrangement. Smit is naturally more of a box-to-box or attacking midfielder, raising some doubts over how he would adapt to a deeper role, and his move remains speculative for now. For the time being, Mourinho looks set to begin the season working with the midfield options already at his disposal. Real Madrid News Former Real Madrid academy ace could bring significant windfall amid Premier League interest It has been a gala summer for Real Madrid in terms of youth player sales, both directly from the Castilla and in terms of indirect profits from external transfers. All in all, the club have pocketed over €200 million from player sales this summer, and a massive part of that has arrived from departures of academy stars. The most recent operation finalised was the departure of Jacobo Ortega who left for Strasbourg, and Sergio Arribas is also said to be nearing a big-money move. Now, Defensa Central highlights another young player who could enter the same situation. An exit from Celta Vigo As relayed by the Spanish outlet, former Real Madrid player and current Celta Vigo star Javi Rueda is nearing a departure from the club, and Los Blancos continue to hold a promising stake. The player is likely Premier League-bound as Nottingham Forest have reportedly taken a liking for his profile. They are willing to spend big bucks to recruit him, and that comes as great news for Real Madrid who retain 50% of his rights. In fact, Rueda is said to have numerous proposals on his table beyond the offer from England although all his options are from clubs abroad. Nottingham Forest, however, represent the player’s best option in terms of chances in the Europa League and their project. The expected sum As matters stand, there is no clear idea of the exact amount Celta Vigo are holding out for. Rueda’s release clause stands at close to €40 million, but the Galicians are expected to settle even for a slightly lesser fee if it satisfies them. Given that they owe half the sum to Real Madrid, they will only sell him if the offer comes close to the €40 million mark at least. As matters stand, Nottingham Forest have not tabled any official offer for the player yet but one is expected to arrive at the Celta Vigo offices in the coming days. Real Madrid, needless to say, will be alert to the situation and will hope to secure yet another windfall to add to their massive earnings of the summer.