Real Madrid have allegedly identified Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez as a potential transfer target for the future.
Los Blancos had hoped to bring in Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this year to provide direct competition for long-serving Karim Benzema.
However, the France international opted to remain in his homeland, placing more responsibility on his compatriot at the Santiago Bernabeu, but the veteran has struggled to show the form which saw him claim the 2022 Ballon d'Or.
Two separate injuries have restricted the 34-year-old to just 12 appearances in all competitions, the second of those issues also preventing him from playing in the World Cup.
Although it has been claimed that Real will not target a new forward during the January window, president Florentino Perez will realistically have to start contemplating future alternatives for Benzema.
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According to Defensa Central, Liverpool attacker Nunez is on a list of potential signings for transfer windows occurring over the coming years.
Nunez only completed a switch from Benfica to Anfield earlier this year, chipping in with 10 goals and two assists from his 10 starts and eight substitute appearances in all competitions during 2022-23.
While he has failed to net in two outings at the World Cup, the Uruguay international remains highly-regarded on the world scene courtesy of his club form.
The 23-year-old possesses a contract at Anfield until 2028 and Real would have to pay in excess of the club-record £85m which Liverpool paid in the summer should they ever pursue a deal.
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The report adds that Cody Gakpo, Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison are other attackers which could, at some stage, come into the equation for Real.
Despite starring for PSV Eindhoven and scoring in each of his World Cup appearances for Netherlands, it is claimed that Gakpo is unlikely to come into the reckoning for the European champions, even in January when it appears increasingly likely that he could leave the Dutch giants.
Like Nunez, Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison have only recently signed for Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur respectively and are likely to be regarded as unattainable for the foreseeable future.
Before the break for the World Cup, Rodrygo deputised for Benzema down the centre of the attack, the playmaker contributing seven goals and five assists this campaign.
Darren Plant
