The January transfer window is already underway, and there is expected to be little activity at Real Madrid in the weeks to come.

Beyond the loan exit of Endrick to Olympique Lyon, Real Madrid are unlikely to make any major operations, but manager Xabi Alonso would be open to some reinforcements arriving before the winter window closes.

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Xabi Alonso wants Ruben Neves

Indeed, Paco Gonzalez, director and presenter of Tiempo de Juego on COPE, revealed the name of the player that Xabi Alonso wants.

“The player he wants is Ruben Neves, the Portuguese player who is in Arabia. That is the one Xabi Alonso wants,” said Paco Gonzalez.

The presenter also revealed that Martin Zubimendi was the player the Real Madrid coach wanted to sign in the summer to strengthen the midfield, but the Spaniard ultimately moved to Arsenal.

Alonso wants Ruben Neves at Real Madrid. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Indeed, Paco Gonzalez explained explained that Zubimendi delayed his move to Arsenal because “Xabi Alonso told him to stop it because I want you.”

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But Real Madrid responded that “No, because they have the best midfielder in the world in that position, which is Aurelien Tchouameni,” according to the presenter.

Having been unable to land Zubimendi’s signing, Alonso has now moved his attention to Neves, although the club does not seem to be keen on the 28-year-old Portuguese international’s signing either.

Neves plays for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League and will be out of contract next summer. The Portuguese midfielder’s name has reportedly been offered to Real Madrid, who have rejected it.

Source: Mundo Deportivo