According to Don Balon, Real Madrid want to sign Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne in an £89m deal.

What's the story?

De Bruyne has been in sensational form for City in the opening months of the 2017-18 campaign - managing four goals and nine assists in 17 appearances in all competitions.

The 26-year-old is in his third season with the Citizens following a move from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2015, and his stock has never been higher.

According to Don Balon, Real Madrid have identified the Belgium international as the perfect player to boost their squad, and the Spanish and European champions are prepared to pay £89m in order to seal a deal.

Real Madrid's problems this season have been shown by the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have just two league goals between them, whilst Gareth Bale's continued absence through injury has left Zinedine Zidane's side light in the final third.

Is the move likely to occur?

As much as City would like to think that they hold all of the cards, it would be very difficult for De Bruyne to turn down Real Madrid if the Spanish giants came calling.

It is not as if De Bruyne grew up supporting City, and whilst he has a contract at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2021, if Real Madrid want to sign him, they will fancy their chances of making it happen.

If the Belgian helps City win the Premier League and advance deep into the Champions League this season, he might well decide to move on.

It is a very exciting time to play for City, however, and an interesting tug-of-war could take place if Real Madrid do indeed make a move at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.

One thing is for sure, De Bruyne is now one of the best playmakers in world football, and Real Madrid are in need of some fresh blood in the final third of the field.

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