The several key decisions Lopetegui still has to make LaLiga - Real Madrid Potential exits and incomings on the agenda

It has been a busy summer in the Real Madrid offices for all concerned and new coach Julen Lopetegui still possesses a number of tasks on his to-do list.

Not only are a number of players seeking game time or a total exit from the club, there is also the prospect of new faces coming in to shake things up yet further.

The No. 9 dilemma

It is not yet decided whether Real Madrid absolutely need a striker but, even if the coach comes down on the side of buying in a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, the question of who comes into focus. Harry Kane is the fans' choice but can also be described as the least attainable option. Although Robert Lewandowski desires a move, Real would have to deal with Bayern Munich's stubbornness.

A move for Hazard?

A number of factors make signing Eden Hazard tricky; namely the early closure of the English transfer window and the high asking price Chelsea have on the winger. Undoubtedly a favourite of club president Florentino Perez, Lopetegui has until August 9 to give his opinion on the move.

Theo's exit

Real Sociedad are set to sign the left-back, who remains on the tour of the US, and his eventual loan move will open up a fresh debate for the coach. Should he bring an academy player up to act as Marcelo's reserve or trust Nacho Fernandez as his all-round defensive backup?

Kovacic

First team minutes are the only thing Mateo Kovacic desires in this transfer window and Real Madrid face the prospect of keeping hold of an unhappy player in their dressing room, should no team meet their demands. While the club hierarchy are refusing to back down, Lopetegui can, of course, improve the Croat's situation with the promise of game time.

The goalkeeping situation

A big knock-on effect will take place should Chelsea find their replacement for Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian's move to Real is all but sealed and rests on the Blues' next move, with Jordan Pickford their ideal candidate. Courtois turning up at Valdebebas poses a threat to not only Keylor Navas' position in the squad but also Kiko Casilla's and Andriy Lunin's, with Lopetegui in charge of shuffling the pack.

De Tomas & Mayoral

Both forwards possess a lot of talent and yet come up short when faced with the demands of a Champions League campaign. Raul De Tomas starred for Rayo Vallecano in Segunda Division last year while Borja Mayoral showed glimpses of true ability under Zinedine Zidane. Their futures are surely linked and Lopetegui must pick his moves carefully to maximise the gains from their potential.

Vinicius & Odegaard

Vinicius proudly told reporters that he is a first team player for Real Madrid when unveiled in July but Los Merengues instead registered him as a member of the Juvenil A squad. With the exact age group the Brazilian will play in unclear, the same scenario is unfolding for Martin Odegaard. Neither has a squad number and both are at an age where they must be handled properly to ensure they meet their massive potential.

La Fabrica

Nine members of La Fabrica are out in the US with Lopetegui and the coach will have a great chance to determine who is closest to being ready for a step up to the senior side. Will he opt to fastrack any homegrown player into the Real ranks?