Real Madrid lead Reus race

Liverpool are set to miss out on Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus, as Real Madrid emerge as the favourites to sign him.

The German international’s future has been one of the major talking points since last summer, when Reus declined a contract extension with Dortmund. Real Madrid have been pretty much interested in Reus since then, and reports in January claimed that Madrid have reached an agreement with the mercurial forward. But Reus eventually signed an extension with Dortmund in February, which came as a setback for all the top European teams which were hoping to sign the 26-year-old.

Borussia Dortmund didn’t have a good season, as they were in relegation zone at the start of February, and ended in a Europa league place. Consequently failed to qualify for the Champions League has again sparked rumours that Reus might leave the Westfalenstadion.

Initially, Liverpool were hoping to sign Reus as a replacement for Raheem Sterling, who recently joined Manchester City. But according to recent reports, Spanish giants Real Madrid have now emerged as the most probable destination for the talented versatile forward.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Arsenal all have been interested in Reus in the past, with Real Madrid always the favourites to land him. Nonetheless, the main concern for Reus with a move to Real Madrid will be the playing time he gets at the club. Players like Isco and Jese Rodriguez have found it hard to break into the first team. And if Reus comes to Spain, it won’t be that easy for him to make his way into the starting XI.

However, every coach wants to have a handful of choices for his team selection, and Rafael Benitez, known for his superb rotation policy, will be happy if Reus signs for Madrid. Reus has suffered from many injuries in the past 12 months, but still managed to score 11 goals in 29 appearances for Borussia Dortmund last season.