Real Madrid were one of the biggest spenders in Europe this summer as Zinedine Zidane added some serious talent to his underperforming squad.

Eden Hazard was the main arrival for an initial £90m, while Luka Jovic, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo all arrived for over £40m.

There were several other star names linked with big-money moves to the Spanish capital.

Here’s four that couldn’t quite make a deal happen.

Christian Eriksen

Christian Eriksen never really came close to securing his much desired move to Real Madrid.

The Dane invited the Spanish side to make an offer for him when he expressed his wish for a “new challenge” after losing the Champions League final in June.

Real’s attention was clearly elsewhere though, and Mauricio Pochettino can breathe a sigh of relief - until January.

Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United target Bruno Fernandes was expected to complete a last-gasp blockbuster move to the Bernabeu on deadline day.

However, despite ESPN’s claims, the Portuguese has remained at Sporting Lisbon, having even broken down in tears during pre-season.

Expect a European giant to come back in for him in January.

Neymar

Real and Barcelona spent the summer fighting it out for Brazilian superstar Neymar.

Neither rival managed to get their hands on the PSG trickster though.

Barca always looked the more likely to hand him a return to Spain, with Lionel Messi even pushing the club to land his signature.

Paul Pogba

Another Premier League midfielder who hinted he wanted to test himself elsewhere earlier in the summer, Paul Pogba has remained at Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old was also linked with a return to Juventus, but they also appeared to get nowhere close to tempting United to sell him.

Reports in Spain suggest Los Blancos will have another go at signing him next summer.