Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is among the defenders being monitored by Real Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window.
The England international, who was given his Everton debut by Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti, has continued to develop under David Moyes and was a stand-out performer for the Toffees during their enthralling derby duel with Premier League leaders Liverpool last week.
Real want to freshen up their defence with Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Eder Militao showing signs of wear and tear.
They have drawn up a list which includes left-sided centre back Branthwaite, Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate and Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen who has a £50million release clause.
Branthwaite is valued around £75million by Everton, who rejected offers around £50m from Manchester United last summer, while Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea have maintained a watching brief on his progress.
Although, the 22-year old is contracted until 2027, Everton have yet to open discussions over a new deal.
Club owners Friedkin Group are looking to invest in Everton's squad this summer and there is expected to be a considerable turnover of players with a number of Moyes's side out of contract. However, they may also need to sell to stay within the realms of PSR guidelines.
Subsequent interest from Real or other top Champions League clubs in Branthwaite may prove hard to ignore with the player also understood to be eager to test himself as soon as possible at that level.
The Spanish giants are keen to lower the age of their squad and Branthwaite is younger than Liverpool counterpart Konate though the 25-year-old France international has greater Champions League experience.
Konate has still to agree on a new deal with Liverpool which has alerted Real while Huijsen's emergence this season, combined with a set clause also brings appeal.