Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are widely regarded as the two players who could take over the mantle left behind by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the best players in the world.

Both are currently attracting suitors from clubs around Europe's top five leagues, with the Paris Saint-Germain forward expected to join Real Madrid this summer.

But he may not be the only superstar signing for Los Blancos, with rumours circulating that Haaland could also be on his way to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

Having arrived at Borussia Dortmund in 2020, the 21-year-old has shown the world why he could become one of the greatest footballers on the planet, with many big clubs eyeing up the young star.

With his frighteningly good athleticism, elite power and goal scoring qualities, clubs like Manchester City, Manchester United and Barcelona have all been in the conversation to sign Haaland.

But as reported by MARCA, the front runners to now secure the signature for the Norwegian are Real Madrid.

Erling Haaland
DORTMUND, GERMANY - DECEMBER 15: Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring their sides second goal during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and SpVgg Greuther Fürth at Signal Iduna Park on December 15, 2021 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

How much could it cost to sign both Mbappe and Haaland?

It looks like it could be an expensive summer for the La Liga giants if they are to secure both players.

While the PSG star's contract is up at the end of this season, the Dortmund striker's contract does not expire till the summer of 2024.

That means it could cost a pretty penny to release Haaland from his commitments in the Bundesliga, with Madrid no doubt having to break the bank to sign the player, who TransferMarkt currently value at £135 million.

PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 28: Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League group A match between Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City at Parc des Princes on September 28, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

With both his and Mbappe's wages combined, the Spanish club will have to release a few players in order to recoup enough finances to sign the pair.

Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Isco are all likely to be released by the club this summer which would clear up much of their current wage bill.

Meanwhile, Madrid could also offload players like Eden Hazard and Dani Ceballos and rake in a cumulative £32.5m for their sales.

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How could Real Madrid line up with the two strikers in their squad?

The prospect of Mbappe and Haaland arriving at the club is undoubtedly an exciting one for any football fan.

So here at GIVEMESPORT, we've been wondering how the 34-time Spanish champions could line up next year with these two players in their squad and have put together a couple of formations, which Carlo Ancelotti might want to take a look at and employ next season.

3. Benzema benched - 4-3-3

The raft of quality Madrid have in their forward stocks is frightening enough already, without having to incorporate Haaland and Mbappe in that starting XI too.

And the arrival of the two young strikers could give Ancelotti a big selection headache, especially with their current centre-forward, Karim Benzema, who is continuing to fire in goals in La Liga.

After his brace of goals in Madrid's 3-0 win over Mallorca, the Frenchman has only put more distance between him and Vinícius Júnior at the top of La Liga's Golden Boot race with 22 goals.

Amazingly the 34-year-old has scored 34 times across all competitions this season and would no doubt be the perfect mentor to help young Haaland to perfect his craft as an elite centre forward.

Sadly though, Benzema may not be able to turn out for Madrid forever, and Haaland would likely take his place up top with Vinicius on the left-wing and Mbappe on the right.

MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 08: Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid CF celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the La Liga Santader match between Real Madrid CF and Valencia CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 8, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

2. Two up top - 4-4-2

One issue that would solve that headache for Mr Ancelotti is simply playing both Haaland and Benzema together upfield.

While that would mean that Vinicius and Mbappe might have to sit slightly further back in the field, compared to a 4-3-3 formation.

But their elite pace should mean that this would not present a problem for either winger who can get up and down the pitch without any issue.

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 09: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid CF celebrates scoring their third goal during the UEFA Champions League Round Of Sixteen Leg Two match between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 09, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Whether Benzema and Haaland would complement each other also remains to be seen.

But it is a forward line that would strike fear into the hearts of many defenders across the world and would inevitably score goals.

1. A lone striker - 4-2-3-1

Similar to the 4-3-3 formation above, Madrid could also play Haaland as a lone striker up top.

Again this would sacrifice Benzema to the bench, but after 70 minutes, when defenders are tired and are more prone to mistakes, there is no better player to bring on to the field and cause bedlam inside the box.

In this formation, Haaland starts up top and is once again flanked by Mbappe and Vinicius in a powerful front three that is backed by Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro in midfield.

Exciting times for Madrid fans

While Madrid are already blessed with some serious talent in their ranks, welcoming these two superstars to their starting XI would transform the team into a truly world-class side.

Even with Benzema sitting on the bench in some formations, Ancelotti has a lot of options available to him, with the arrival of Mbappe and Haaland making Los Blancos a bigger favourite to challenge for the Champions League.