Real Madrid are monitoring the development of Manchester United youngster Jonny Evans, and could be set to make a January move for the Northern Ireland international.
The 21-year old has acted as an able deputy to the first-choice duo of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, and is highly regarded by boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
English publication The People reports that Los Blancos coach Manuel Pellegrini is looking to strengthen his central defence following a knee injury suffered by Portuguese defender Pepe, and comments that Evans is high on his list of potential replacements.
It is unlikely however that Ferguson would entertain allowing another of his first-team stars to depart for the Bernabeu, after losing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud van Nistelrooy and David Beckham in recent seasons.
Pellegrini may be forced to re-assess any move, with Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho also reported to be on the Spanish side’s transfer radar.
Carvalho made his 200th appearance for the London club yesterday, and speaking on their official website stated that he is enjoying life with the Premier League leaders.
Madrid themselves demolished Real Zaragoza 6-0 on Saturday evening, and started the match with the pairing of Ezequiel Garay and Raul Albiol in the centre of defence.