Real Madrid are considering a bid for Chilean international Arturo Vidal, according to talkSPORT. The 26-year-old has also been linked with Premier League champions Manchester United and Arsenal, but new Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is understood to be determined to add the Juventus star to the Santiago Bernabeu ranks in this window.

Madrid have already confirmed the signing of two new midfielders - Asier Illarramendi from Real Sociedad and Isco from Malaga.

Vidal's present club, last season's Serie A champions, are reluctant to release the South American, who spent four seasons with Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen before arriving in Turin in 2011.

Arturo Vidal
Reuters

Vidal is contracted to the Italian club until 2016 and is paid €2.5m per year. However, Marca believes talks over an extension are ongoing, with a further two years likely to be added to his agreement and a hike of €1.5m offered.

The South American made 41 appearances in all competitions for Antonio Conte's side last season, scoring 14 goals and creating 11 more. His value to Conte is considerable and the club's general director, Giuseppe Marotta, has insisted the player is not for sale.

"He is a strong player and a reference point for Juventus going forward. We are in contact with his agents. It will not be a problem to come to an agreement for a contract renewal," Marotta explained.

Juventus paid Leverkusen €10.5m for Vidal two years ago but talkSPORT believes an offer now will have to exceed €40m. Even so vast a fee (and the promise of a long-term contract in the Spanish capital) appears unlikely to persuade Vidal.

"I'm flattered by Real Madrid's interest in me, but I want to stay at Juventus. It's nice to know that the club have turned down such an important offer for me without giving it a second thought," the midfielder explained.

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