Real Madrid are preparing to launch a shock summer move for a Tottenham defender this summer, a report has claimed.
The LaLiga giants, whose trophy-laden era under Carlo Ancelotti came to an end on Monday after the Italian was confirmed as the new manager of Brazil's national team, are gearing up for a crucial summer in the transfer market.
Former Los Blancos star Xabi Alonso is imminently expected to take over at the Bernabeu following an impressive stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga undefeated last campaign.
Ahead of the Spaniard's arrival, Real Madrid chiefs are already lining up a summer swoop for Cristian Romero — with the manager reportedly a huge fan of the centre-half.
According to The Sun, Alonso is confident Romero would be the perfect addition to Real Madrid's squad and help him win silverware in his debut season at the Bernabeu.
The Spanish club are set to finish the campaign without success in the Champions League, Copa del Rey or LaLiga, having slipped seven points behind Barcelona with three games to go following a 4-3 defeat in El Clasico on Sunday.
Real Madrid's Champions League title defence was cut short by Arsenal at the quarter-final stage, while Ancelotti's side were beaten again by Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.
Despite Real Madrid's pursuit of Romero, the report claims that Spurs have no interest in selling the World Cup winner.
Tottenham, who themselves have endured a woeful season and currently sit 17th in the Premier League with just two matches to play, may struggle to convince Romero to stay if Real Madrid come knocking.
The north London club can still qualify for the Champions League by winning next week's huge Europa League final against fellow strugglers Manchester United, which could prove significant ahead of the summer transfer window for Tottenham.
Real Madrid are reportedly keen to rebuild their defence this summer ahead of the imminent arrival of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Los Blancos defence has been criticised and questioned throughout a below-par season at the Bernabeu, and the club are keen to reshape their back line beyond just the signing of Alexander-Arnold.
It is claimed that Romero would partner Antonio Rudiger at the heart of defence should Real Madrid be successful in their pursuit of the Argentine.
Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold was loudly booed by supporters when introduced as a substitute midway through Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.
A significant proportion of Liverpool fans feel let down by the right-back's decision to run his contract down and orchestrate a move to the Bernabeu.
Speaking on Alexander-Arnold's exit on Monday, Reds captain Virgil van Dijk urged there is 'no better place' than Liverpool having himself agreed a deal to stay at Anfield beyond their title-winning triumph this term.
'For me there is no other place to be at this point,' said the Dutchman. 'Everyone shares different opinions and he feels like he has done it all – and he did it – and he wants to try something different.
'You are speaking about one of the biggest clubs of all in Real Madrid, who he might go to as I read in the media! The decision is made. We are all gutted, players as well, as he is a fantastic player.'