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Real Madrid news: Julen Lopetegui DESPERATE for transfers despite recent claims
REAL MADRID boss Julen Lopetegui is hiding his true feelings regarding the club's summer transfer business, according to reports in Spain.
Real Madrid need a new centre-forward says experts
The former Spain boss endured a nightmare start to his reign in the capital, losing Wednesday's Super Cup final 4-2 after extra time to rivals Atletico Madrid.
The defeat marks the first time Real Madrid have conceded four goals since 2015 and raises questions regarding the strength of their squad heading into the La Liga season.
Lopetegui has publicly said he is not fazed by the club's lack of business this summer.
But according to Spanish publication AS, the new Madrid boss is masking his true feelings on the matter.
The outlet claims Lopetegui wants new first team players in before the August 31 deadline, although it appears unlikely the club will sanction any big money moves.
Madrid lost star man Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus early in the summer and have failed to replace the Portuguese star with another attacker.
Florentino Perez has strengthened the club's youth side, bringing in Brazilian teenagers Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, as well as Real Sociedad's Alvaro Odriozola.
But as for the first team, only Thibaut Courtois has been signed this summer.
What was outlined by the club's sports policy does not change by this final
However, AS claim Loptegui did not ask the club to acquire the Belgian.
Speaking after Wednesday's final defeat, Lopetegui insisted he was not looking to panic buy before the transfer deadline.
“What was outlined by the club's sports policy does not change by this final," he told reporters.
“Now La Liga starts, which is a very important title for me, and we have to start well.”
Real Madrid have been linked with moves for a host of world class players in recent months.
Neymar, Eden Hazard, Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski were all touted as potential Ronaldo replacements at the Bernabeu this summer but look set to stay at their respective clubs until January at least.
Madrid get their season underway this weekend when they take on Getafe on Sunday evening.