Zidane: Real are a striker short

Speaking to the press ahead of Real's International Champions Cup clash against Manchester United on Sunday, the Frenchman has admitted that his side are a striker light after Alvaro Morata completed his move to Chelsea on Friday.

"Following Morata's move, we're a striker short at the moment," he told the gathered press. Naturally the discussion moved on to whether Monaco hotshot Kylian Mbappe would be a potential target this summer. "I know that he's a good player and that there's interest in him from a lot of clubs but we'll certainly be bringing in another striker before the end of the window" noted Zidane.  

When asked about his squad in general Zidane replied, "We're really happy with the young lads we've brought in, anything can happen as the window goes on but we're always looking at ways of improving our squad."

The former Real midfielder also said that despite the rumours about Cristiano Ronaldo, the player seems more than happy with life at the Bernabeu. "There's been a lot of talk about Cristiano, that he wants to leave. But when I talk to him he's calm and after the window closes he'll still be with us. He wants to play for Real Madrid," explained Zidane.

The 45-year-old also reserved special praise for Garthe Bale, saying: "I think it's the first time I've seen him looking so good during a pre-season. He wants to have a good season and is preparing himself accordingly."

With their history of big-money signings and the money from the sale of Morata behind them, it will be interesting to see who Real pursue as another option up front. At this point, all signs would appear to point towards Monaco's 18-year-old French international Kylian Mbappe.