Marco Reus ‘set for Real Madrid summer switch’

Germany midfielder Marco Reus could join compatriots Sami Khedira and Toni Kroos at the Santiago Bernabeu on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund next summer, reports suggest.

The playmaker’s contract expires in 2016, and he has rejected the club’s advances to talk about a new deal, meaning the Borussia board have made the decision to cash in on him in the summer rather than lose him on a free transfer at the end of his contract.

Bayern Munich are thought to be keen on the player but the relations between the two clubs have soured in recent years after the Bavarians took striker Robert Lewandowski and midfielder Mario Gotze to the Allianz Arena.

Comments by Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer have also angered Borussia officials. Earlier this summer he said: “If you can get a player of his class [Reus], you need to try it. If he doesn’t go to Bayern in 2015, he will probably go to another big club like Real Madrid or Manchester United. Dortmund will probably not be able to hold on to him.”

Now, reports in both Spain and Germany suggest Los Blancos are set to sign Reus next summer, with a deal agreed in principle. The player is represented by Volker Struth, the man who helped engineer Toni Kroos’ move to the Santiago Bernabeu this year.

Reports says with Ronaldo set to hit the 30 years of age mark in February and doubts over Jese Rodriguez’ long-term fitness, Florentino Perez wants to add to his attacking options.