LaLiga: Why Real Madrid are considering selling Kroos in January transfer

Real Madrid are considering selling midfielder, Toni Kroos amid concerns over his performance this campaign, with Manchester United leading the queue to sign him, according to reports in Spain.

Kroos has anchored the Los Blancos midfield for three consecutive Champions League titles, but he has hinted at being unhappy with his role in new manager Julen Lopetegui’s system.

While away on international duty with Germany national team, the midfielder suggested he did not want to do the dirty work Lopetegui required of him, saying, “I like playing deeper, but I’m not Casemiro.”

Spanish publication, El Confidencial, is now reporting that Kroos’ words have not gone down well with Real’s hierarchy, who are already harbouring concerns about his work rate this season.

There is a feeling that the German international is not pulling his weight, leaving Real’s midfield exposed, while he has long wanted to test himself in the Premier League.

Manchester United are keeping tabs on Kroos’ situation and tried to sign him when he was at Bayern Munich, though he opted for a move to the Bernabeu instead.

Real are now tempted by the possibility of selling the 28-year-old, and know they could demand a big fee from United.

The La Liga giants have already earmarked a replacement, with its president, Florentino Perez being a huge fan of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, Christian Eriksen.

Although Eriksen usually plays as an attacking midfielder for Spurs, Real believe he would be more effective in a double pivot alongside Casemiro than Kroos, and would be supplemented by the likes of Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos.

Real Madrid will now take on Lavente in the La Liga this weekend at home.