Real Madrid's scouting department is given an 'impossible mission' involving Luka Modric

The standards are high at Real Madrid and those employed there are undoubtedly some of the most talented in their field. However, with the privilege comes some of the toughest jobs in football. The coming months in Real Madrid's scouting department will be defined by just that.  

According to Relevo, Real Madrid's scouting department has one goal in mind for the coming months - finding a replacement for Luka Modric.  

While they are aware that whoever they bring in is unlikely to have the impact or career that Modric has had at the Santiago Bernabeu, there is agreement that they need a profile of his kind within their squad. 

The 39-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season, but he wants to stay for another year and travel to the 2026 World Cup with Croatia as a Real Madrid player.  

That doesn't mean Real Madrid's decision has been made for him, but they are keen to have a plan in place and are preparing "for life" without the Croatian veteran.  

The final decision will be made after discussions between the two parties in May. 

Modric continues to show his worth under Carlo Ancelotti, playing 2,087 minutes this season in 44 matches.  

He has scored four times and assisted seven goals, including the crucial equaliser against Valencia in January.  

It is his ability to think quickly in midfield, set the right pace and combine it with a fighting spirit that the club's leaders are looking for in the market. There was a hope that Arda Guler could become that player, but he has now been relegated to a more attacking role. 

It has previously been reported that Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, in a slightly deeper role, is seen as a potential replacement for Modric, while Real Madrid have also been linked with other midfielders.  

Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi has also been linked with Los Blancos in recent months, although he would seemingly have a role more similar to Toni Kroos than Modric.Telegraph/