Real Madrid defender could be included in deal to sign Harry Kane in the summer

Real Madrid is facing a major blow ahead of the summer transfer window, with Karim Benzema apparently set to leave for Al-Ittihad on a two-year deal worth more than €200 million.

The Frenchman was a major cog for Real Madrid during the last two seasons, earning five trophies and the Ballon d’Or. He’d leave a nearly impossible legacy to replace, but Los Blancos haven’t had much trouble replacing big players in the past.

Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur has been mentioned as a possible replacement. The Englishman, one of the most prolific strikers of his time, is coming off a 30-goal Premier League season and could be on his way out this summer.

Signing him will be difficult since Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is looking for roughly €100-120 million from a non-Premier League club. However, Madrid might use Ferland Mendy as a negotiation chip.

According to SER Deportivos, Madrid’s main target is Kane, and the club is thinking about incorporating Mendy in the deal as part of a player-plus-cash swap.

However, Madrid is the only club interested in Kane, especially because the Englishman is expected to depart Tottenham this summer. Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in signing him.

Kane’s contract expires next summer, putting Tottenham at risk of losing him on a free transfer. That hasn’t stopped them from asking a high price for him, as he would be difficult to replace.

While Madrid would not mind paying €100 million for Kane, it would have an influence on their plans for Erling Haaland.

The record-breaking Champions League winners were aiming to sign one of Haaland or Kylian Mbappe next summer to replace Benzema, but the Frenchman’s possible departure has clearly changed matters.

According to one rumor, Madrid is interested in signing Roberto Firmino because the club does not want to spend a lot’ to replace Benzema, and the Brazilian would arrive on a free transfer.

Real Madrid are also pursuing Joselu from Espanyol, who were formally relegated last weekend. The Spaniard would serve as a backup, effectively filling the job Mariano Diaz was supposed to do.