Madrid's three options to replace Ronaldo

According to Portuguese publication 'Record', Ronaldo's decision to depart 'Los Blancos' this summer is "irreversible". With the rumours swirling and the club reluctant to leave themselves exposed should that Really be Ronaldo's wish, reports claim they have already begun searching for an alternative.

Despite the obvious difficulties in replacing one of the greatest players in the club's history, Real already have three names in mind for the job and unsurprisingly they are three of the biggest stars in world football. All three would command astronomical fees, though that has never put the Spanish outfit off in the past.

Robert Lewandowski

The Pole has been linked with Madrid many times over the years, but he is far from the club's number on target this summer. Considered one of the best out-and-out strikers in the world, Lewandowski has plenty going for him, but one major thing against him: his age.

The 29-year-old enjoyed arguably the best season of his career this term, plundering 41 goals in the 48 games he played and if it is a number nine Madrid are after, there are few better.

But given that he will reach the dreaded 30 mark in August, the inevitable drop-off in form is to be expected in the coming seasons and Madrid are unlikely to be willing to spend such an amount on someone who is passing their peak. However, Lewandowski is looking to leave Bayern Munich this summer, meaning that a deal could be easier to strike than with some alternative targets.

Neymar

Real Madrid's top target, bar none. In terms of pure numbers, Neymar enjoyed the best season of his career with PSG, plundering 28 goals and 16 assists in 30 games, despite seeing his season ended prematurely due to an ankle injury.

Whatsmore, at the age of just 26, there is plenty of reason to believe that the Samba star could continue to improve in the future.

Real have been linked with a sensational swoop for the former Barcelona star for some time, but Neymar has refused to think about anything other than the World Cup as he and his country look to banish the demons of their failure on home turf four years ago.

Eden Hazard

Similar to the latter two names mentioned, the Chelsea star has been linked with Real Madrid on numerous occasions. Zinedine Zidane was known to be a huge fan of the Belgian before his exit and is thought to have sung his praises to the Real Madrid board on several occasions in the past.

A year older than Neymar, Hazard is undoubtedly one of the stars of the Premier League, but with Chelsea set to be without Champions League football next season, he may be a fish that is too big for his pond.

With 17 goals and 11 assists last seasos in 51 games, Hazards return is respectable, if some way short of the incredible records of Neymar and Lewandowski.

Nevertheless, any move would be a complicated one, with Chelsea less than keen on losing their star man as they plot their return to the elite. However, with rumours that a new manager may be coming in sooner rather than later, a huge influx of funds to pay for a squad rebuild may be most welcome.