Gareth Bale has been tipped to fill Cristiano Ronaldo's role as leader of the Real Madrid attack following the five-time world footballer of the year's move to Juventus.
The 33-year-old has joined Juve for €100m after nine years at the Bernabeu during which time he won 15 major honours including the Champions League four times.
Ronaldo left Real as the highest goalscorer in their history, netting 450 times in 438 appearances and the void he leaves is unlikely to ever be properly filled.
Los Blancos have yet to sign a replacement forward for the Portugal international and though fresh faces are required, former winger Steve McManaman feels Bale could step into the breach.
'They've lost one of the best players in the world and need someone else,' McManaman, who represented Real between 1999 and 2003, told Efe according to Marca.
'Obviously they have Bale and [Karim] Benzema, but they need more reinforcements.
'Barcelona won the league last year by a significant points margin.
'Barcelona are stronger than they were last year, while Real Madrid are weaker because they've lost Ronaldo.
'I think Lopetegui wants Bale to take over the leadership role that Cristiano Ronaldo had.
'It's very difficult because Ronaldo was averaging a goal per game, but Bale is a different type of player and a very dynamic one, who'll have a magnificent season.'
Real's attention in the transfer window appears to centre around the acquisition of a new goalkeeper, with Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois reportedly close to moving to the La Liga giants.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani has been linked with replacing Ronaldo however speculation regarding interest in other strikers has been curiously quiet given the club's reputation as big spenders.
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