Transfer talk: Rafa Benitez really keen on bringing Raheem Sterling to Real Madrid

The transfer gossip columns are starting to get ahead of themselves.

Despite not being confirmed yet as the new boss at the Bernabeu, Rafa Benitez already has a plan in place on how he's going to spend his transfer budget at Real Madrid. One of his main targets for the summer is Liverpool outcast Raheem Sterling, according to the Mirror. Former Liverpool boss Benitez played a key role in persuading Sterling to join the Reds in 2010, and is reportedly interested in snapping up the unsettled Sterling. The winger has already made it clear to Brendan Rodgers that he wants out of Anfield, and it looks like he could get his wish this summer. Manchester United are leading the race to sign Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca. The Metro are reporting that The Red Devils are interested in bringing in the Colombian forward to bolster their attack for next season. Bacca was the hero for Sevilla in the Europa League final, scoring two goals in the 3-2 win against Dnipro. United will face stiff competition from Roma and AC Milan for the goal machine, who netted 20 La Liga goals in the 2014/15 campaign. And finally, Danny Ings is a wanted man after Burnley failed to avoid the drop this season. The English striker is out of contract in the summer and both Tottenham and Liverpool are said to be interested in snapping him up, so the Daily Star claims. The 22-year-old sharpshooter wants a deal in place before representing England in the European under-21 Championship at the end of June.

"It's going to be a short summer for me this year, but I love football so I'd play it every day if I could." "After that I'll sit down with my agent. I'm not going to lie. I'll sit down and discuss my future then." "At the moment it's all up in the air. I don't know what's going to happen."