Real Madrid are tipped to make a shock move for a new centre forward in January, according to Diario Gol.
The Spain and European champions had been linked with Inter hotshot Mauro Icardi, who has since distanced himself from such rumours, and are now thought to be willing to turn to a cheaper, short term alternative to the striking issues.
Russia international Fedor Smolov is the man in question, with Florentino Perez reportedly taking an interest in the Krasnodar forward.
The 27-year-old’s record in his homeland has been outstanding since he made the move to his current club from Dinamo Moscow in 2015, scoring 48 goals in 64 league appearances.
Smolov has ended as the Russian Premier League’s top scorer in each of the last two campaigns and shares the lead this time around with 10 despite making just 13 of a possible 19 appearances.
Real Madrid’s two main forwards - Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema - have combined for just four La Liga goals all season from 20 appearances.
