Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
Manchester United target Toni Kroos could be on his way to Real Madrid after the Spanish giants reportedly offered him £4m a year before tax to leave Bayern Munich.
The 24-year-old German star has been chased by Louis van Gaal since he was named the new United boss and Kroos was even rumoured to have been offered £250,000 a week to arrive at Old Trafford.
But according to a report in German newspaper Bild , Real Madrid are now in pole position after offering Kroos a bumper rise on the £4-5m after tax deal Bayern Munich have offered him to stay at the club.
Kroos, who is in Brazil with the German World Cup squad, was said to have been in contact with Van Gaal just a few days ago, but it now appears he has had his head turned by the new European champions.
Show all 14 1 /14The Premier League transfer targets on show at the World Cup The Premier League transfer targets on show at the World Cup Edinson Cavani Another striker linked with Chelsea as they look to bolster their front line, the Uruguayan may have only joined PSG last summer but that hasn't stopped the rumours about him moving from flying around. They will only increase if he impresses at the World Cup in Brazil where he will be coming up against England in the group stages.
GETTY IMAGES
The Premier League transfer targets on show at the World Cup Toni Kroos One player who's been creating transfer rumours for a while is Toni Kroos. The German has been linked with a move to Manchester United as his contract talks with Bayern Munich stall. Whether Kroos is simply exploiting United's need for midfield reinforcements simply to improve his Bayern contract remains to be seen. His superb goals against Arsenal at the Emirates the last two years running have offered an indication to his ability but he'll be able to strengthen his reputation with a good World Cup with Germany.
The Premier League transfer targets on show at the World Cup Paul Pogba Pogba may have already played for Manchester United but the Frenchman was allowed to leave before he could make much of an impression in the Premier League. Having played just three times in the English top-flight the 21-year-old could be set for a glorious return having been linked with his old club and various others. Over the last two seasons with Juventus he's been hugely impressive and looks set to be given an opportunity to drive France through to the latter stages in Brazil.
GETTY IMAGES
The Premier League transfer targets on show at the World Cup Fabio Coentrao The Portuguese left-back nearly joined Manchester United in January and with the Premier League bracing itself for a flurry of activity in that particular position, Coentrao could be one man in line for a move. He might have played in the Champions League final but he managed just 10 league appearances with Real Madrid, leading to claims he will move on. Despite being marginalised by his club, Coentrao will play a major role as Portugal try to negotiate their group of death with Germany, Ghana and the United States.
Getty Images
The Premier League transfer targets on show at the World Cup Mario Balotelli Why always linked with transfers? For one reason or another, Super Mario is one man constantly in the transfer spotlight with a potential reuniting with former boss Jose Mourinho at Chelsea being mooted by some while other reports suggesting he has been offered to Arsenal for £30m. The AC Milan striker will be in action against England in Group D.
GETTY IMAGES
The Premier League transfer targets on show at the World Cup Arturo Vidal The self-styled 'best in the world' in his role, has had a great season with Juventus and consequently finds himself in the sights of Manchester United according to reports. A good World Cup with Chile will only boost the likelihood of some offers.
GETTY IMAGES
The Premier League transfer targets on show at the World Cup Iker Casillas Synonymous with Real Madrid for so long, Casillas fell out of favour with first Jose Mourinho and now Carlo Ancelotti and a summer move could be on the cards. Having captained Spain to three tournament successes players don't come with much bigger reputations. Arsenal are reportedly interested in finding a new number one.
GETTY IMAGES
The Premier League transfer targets on show at the World Cup Eliaquim Mangala It seems like almost every top European club is looking to reinforce the centre of its defence at the moment and consequently Eliaquim Mangala could be in high demand. The Porto centre-back will see his value go up even further if he gets the chance to impress with France. The 23-year-old reportedly favours a move to Manchester United or Chelsea over Manchester City.
Getty Images
The Premier League transfer targets on show at the World Cup Julian Draxler Julian Draxler has featured heavily in recent transfer windows and looks set to do so again this summer with Arsenal once again linked with the German star. The Germany international has signalled he's open to a move away from Schalke.
GETTY IMAGES
The Premier League transfer targets on show at the World Cup Jackson Martinez Porto's Colombian striker is seemingly always mentioned in transfer gossip pages and this summer looks set to be no different. With Radamel Falcao missing the World Cup, this tournament could be Martinez's chance to really show himself off on the world stage.
GETTY IMAGES
The Premier League transfer targets on show at the World Cup William Carvalho Another player plying his trade in Portugal that is causing a bit of a stir. The 21-year-old is at Sporting Lisbon for the moment but a bumper offer could see him on his way. Fees in the region of £37m have been mooted for the defensive midfielder, with Manchester United one of those reportedly ready to stump up the cash. Set to play a big role for Portugal this summer.
EPA
The Premier League transfer targets on show at the World Cup Andy Najar Honduras will be mostly remembered for trying to kick lumps out of England, but during that warm-up match Najar caught the eye. A few more decent games at the World Cup and speculation over the 21-year-old midfielder's future will increase. Anderlecht won't be keen to let him go however.
GETTY IMAGES
The Premier League transfer targets on show at the World Cup Lorenzo Insigne The Napoli forward has found himself heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks. But before then he's got a World Cup to deal with. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has scoffed at talk of a deal in the region of £18m and says he would want triple that. A good tournament with Italy for Insigne and he might just get his wish.
GETTY IMAGES
The Premier League transfer targets on show at the World Cup Vincent Aboubakar There's more to Cameroon than just Samuel Eto'o and in the shape of Aboubakar there might just be another Indomitable Lion heading for the Premier League. The 22-year-old, who currently plays for Ligue 1 side Lorient, has been tipped as one to watch and a good tournament could have a few English clubs making inquiries.
GETTY IMAGES
Spanish newspaper El Confidential also carry the story, explaining Real are waiting for a call back from Kroos’ agent Volker Struth.
Kroos is believed to be upset with the club as his wages do not compare to top earners such as Mario Gotze and Franck Ribery.
Kroos had four goals and eight assists last season for Bayern, starring in a deeper role as Bayern won the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal cup.
Carlo Ancelotti is also said to be chasing Kroos’ Bayern team-mate Mario Mandzukic, after he announced he wanted to leave the club, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Verratti.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies