It's been a slow summer at Real Madrid, something that has been quite common over the last few summers but really stands out now.

Real haven't felt the need to make any major changes or signings while they've been winning three consecutive Champions League trophies.

They haven't actually gone big on a first-team player since James Rodriguez in 2014 - a signing that didn't quite work out - instead only spending sizeable money on squad players like Mateo Kovacic, Danilo, and Alvaro Morata until paying €35m on Thibaut Courtois this summer.

But this summer is different, of course; the key thing about previous years is that they haven't lost any major players but this year they lost the major player: Cristiano Ronaldo.

The fact that Real haven't signed any first-team forwards, let alone a 'Galactico' is surprising to say the least.

They've certainly been linked with many; Harry Kane, Eden Hazard, Edinson Cavani, and Robert Lewandowski are all rumoured to have been targeted among others, but none have appeared close to signing.

And now it seems that new manager Julen Lopetegui has settled on his first choice but, despite it being a player outside of those elite names, Real are still reluctant to make a move.

The player is Valencia's Rodrigo, according to AS, a former Real Madrid youth-product who worked with Lopetegui for the Spanish national team.

Rodrigo scored 16 goals in La Liga last season - a breakout season for the 27-year-old and he'd only managed ten in his previous three seasons combined.

After starting his career with Real, Rodrigo moved to Benfica in 2011, one season after an unsuccessful year on loan with Bolton Wanderers.

There he performed well, securing a move to Valencia in 2014.

Quick, direct, and able to play as a winger or a striker, it's easy to see why Lopetegui would see Rodrigo as a fine addition to his squad - but his bosses aren't so sure.

Rodrigo has a €120m release clause and Valencia are currently only willing to sell at that price. The people in charge of the money at Real, however, value him at €60m and see that as the price they'd be happy to pay.

If things carry on without either side budging, Lopetegui will be left with an attack that is clearly weaker than his predecessor. He gave up coaching Spain at a World Cup for this - and it's not looking quite like the dream job that it once did.