Real Madrid could make a cut-price move to make West Ham and Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug the latest Galactico.

New Real Madrid boss wants to sign a ‘traditional’ number nine this summer to support stars like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr in attack, and Niclas Fullkrug is said to be an option for the role.

He doesn’t want the new striker to be a star or the first name on the team sheet, he just wants a different option up front, a lot like how he often used Patrik Schick for Bayer Leverkusen. He wants a nine that  brings presence, aerial play, and the ability to make a difference coming off the bench.

The most likely signing for Madrid is Ante Budimir, the third top scored in La Liga last season behind just Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski. The 33-year-old Croatia International scored 21 goals in 38 League matches for Osasuna.

Niclas Fullkrug is also high up om the shortlist for Los Blancos. However, he is likely to cost more than Budimir. The Hammer signed Fullkrug for £27m just a year ago and is reportedly on £85,000 a week. He hasn’t been a success in East London, but we would probably still demand at least £15m for his signature.

This is more than doable for Real Madrid but they will more than likely opt for Budimir who would likely cost around half of Fullkrug, will be on lower wages, and is proven in La Liga.

But if Madrid do decide to move for Fullkrug, we would be silly not to consider it because of his age and time remaining on his contract. Fullkrug has spoken of his desire to remain at the club this summer, but there is no chance he wouldn’t push for a move to the biggest club in the world, and I dont think one West Ham fan would blame him.