Real Madrid have allegedly identified Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino as a potential transfer target for the summer.
While Los Blancos are currently preparing for their Champions League quarter-final with Chelsea, they have endured a dismal La Liga campaign by their own high standards.
Carlo Ancelotti's side sit 13 points adrift of leaders Barcelona with 10 matches remaining, while the recent resurgence of neighbours Atletico Madrid has left them just two points clear of third place in the standings.
At a time when Ancelotti's long-term future is being frequently scrutinised, a report recently suggested that Real were unlikely to make any major additions during the off-season.
That was in relation to spending nine figures on the signing of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham or Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe.
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Nevertheless, with Karim Benzema now 35 years of age, there is a feeling that stronger backup will be required for the Frenchman, rather than relying on Rodrygo to deputise down the centre of the attack when required.
According to El Nacional, Real may look to secure a deal for Firmino over the coming weeks and months.
The Brazil international has already acknowledged that he will be bringing his eight-year association with Liverpool to an end when his contract expires at the end of June.
Although the 31-year-old is no longer considered first choice at Anfield and has suffered injury issues this campaign, 11 goals and five assists have still been posted in the Premier League and Champions League.
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Firmino's latest effort came on Sunday as he scored the equaliser in Liverpool's thrilling 2-2 draw with top-flight leaders Arsenal, showcasing his threat from the substitutes' bench.
The report says that Real are not prepared to pay major money for a striker at this stage, nor bring in a player who is not proven at the highest level.
President Florentino Perez is said to be wary of signing another player of the standing of Luka Jovic, the £52m addition only netting three times and providing five assists in 51 outings, many of them from the substitutes' bench.
By comparison, Firmino is already established as a Liverpool legend, contributing 109 goals and 79 assists from 359 appearances in all competitions.
Darren Plant
