Can Alan Pardew lead Southampton back to the Championship? Tom Powell previews the betting.

Sami Khedira’s agent claims that the Stuttgart midfielder is getting closer to a move to Real Madrid.

The 23-year-old Germany international is out of contract next summer and has been in demand following a series of impressive displays at the World Cup in South Africa.

Khedira’s agent, Jorg Neubauer, is confident that personal terms with Real will present no problem, but says that a fee has yet to be agreed between the two clubs.

“Everything is fine for us with Real Madrid so far,” Neubauer told Bild.

“If they reach agreement with Stuttgart, the transfer will take place.”

Stuttgart’s new director of sport, Fredi Bobic has conceded that Khedira will have to be sold this summer if he does not commit to a new contract, given he would be entitled to a free transfer in 12 months’ time.

Can Alan Pardew lead Southampton back to the Championship? Tom Powell previews the betting.

Make sure you don’t miss any of the last news and articles from World Soccer. Subscribe to World Soccer today and take advantage of our all 50th anniversary offer, saving up to 50%!