Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has told his board they need a new midfield signing.

Marca says Ancelotti feels they're short in midfield, having lost Michael Essien back to parent club Chelsea and Xabi Alonso's future remaining clouded.

Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund), Arturo Vidal (Juventus), Marco Verratti (PSG), Geoffrey Kondogbia (Sevilla) and Asier Illarramendi (Real Sociedad) have all been put forward as potential signings by Ancelotti.