Klopp Sets Sights on Newcastle's Woltemade as Real Madrid Weighs Summer Managerial Switch

Real Madrid's managerial carousel has taken another turn, with Jurgen Klopp now firmly in the frame to replace Xabi Alonso at the Bernabeu—but only if the club agrees to a wholesale squad overhaul.

The Spanish giants sacked Alonso on Monday following Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona, which ended 3-2. With Real Madrid already trailing their rivals by four points in La Liga and whispers of dressing-room unrest, the writing was on the wall. Arbeloa was hastily appointed to steady the ship, yet speculation continues that a bigger name could arrive come summer.

Enter Klopp. The former Liverpool manager has long been linked with a potential move to the Bernabeu, and Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg confirmed on Tuesday that the German would genuinely consider the position should Real Madrid come calling. Despite his ongoing commitment to Red Bull and his deep ties to that organisation, Klopp apparently views the Madrid job as something of a draw.

"Understand despite Klopp's long-term contract with Red Bull and his strong identification with the Red Bull project, Real Madrid hold a major appeal for him. If Real were to make a serious move, Klopp would give it serious consideration," Plettenberg reported.

The catch? Klopp has already begun drawing up his shopping list, and it's an ambitious one. Spanish reports suggest he's demanding three signings with two deals already in active discussion. He's also made clear he wants Vinicius Junior moved on—a bold ask for any incoming manager.

First on his wishlist is Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck. With Eder Militao struggling with injury and both David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger entering the final months of their contracts, defensive reinforcement is clearly a priority. Real Madrid have already started preliminary talks with the defender to persuade him to turn down alternative offers.

Midfield orchestration is the second priority, and Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez has caught Klopp's eye as someone capable of controlling the tempo and tempo of play. The Argentine sits high on his list of targets.

The third—and perhaps most eyebrow-raising—is Newcastle United's Nick Woltemade. The striker arrived at St James' Park last summer for £69m, but Klopp apparently sees him as the genuine number nine he wants, allowing Kylian Mbappe to drift out to the wing. With Vinicius Junior potentially departing, Klopp reckons a new star attraction would be essential.

It's a wish list that suggests Klopp means business about restructuring. Whether Real Madrid—and Newcastle, for that matter—are willing to play ball remains to be seen.