Real Madrid 'eye Jesus as a replacement for Bale'

Real Madrid have been placed in the frame to sign Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus this summer, according to mounting reports in Spain.

The La Liga giants are in need of squad reinvestment with Zinedine Zidane looking to overhaul his side.

Zidane remains keen to offload Gareth Bale, despite failing to do so during the summer and now coming to rely on the Welshman due to squad injuries.

According to Don Balon, Madrid now see Jesus as the man to come in and fill Bale's boots once he departs.

The report notes that Madrid chiefs are acutely aware of how many goals they are losing per season, following the exit of talisman Cristiano Ronaldo in July 2018.

Despite the arrival of marquee signing Eden Hazard, the former Chelsea man has yet to hit his stride in the Spanish capital.

Likewise, Luka Jovic is yet to hit the heights of fellow forward Karim Benzema, who is still the main source of goals at the Bernabeu.

Madrid boss Zidane is also said to be concerned by the lack of goalscoring contributions from Vinicius and Bale, along with the long-term absence of Marco Asensio.

At City, Jesus' position remains up in the air. With Sergio Aguero at the club, the Brazilian cannot feature as the main out-and-out striker at the Etihad.

Guardiola favours the Brazilian youngster, though starting positions in the forward line are not guaranteed.