Transfer Talk: Real consider Leao bid to cover for injured Benzema

Real Madrid have identified Rafael Leao as their primary transfer target in January.

Los Blancos are in need of attacking reinforcements following the injury suffered by their No9 Karim Benzema while on international duty in Qatar.

Benzema, 34, suffered a thigh injury in training ahead of France’s World Cup opener against Australia on Tuesday.

The Ballon d'Or winner has already missed nine matches so far this term and yet remains the only recognised centre forward in Carlo Ancelotti's squad.

According to Spanish media, Ancelotti has convinced club president Florentino Perez that the European champions need to actively pursue a replacement for Benzema to avoid a trophyless campaign.

The Madrid outfit sit two points behind Barcelona in LaLiga, while they will face Liverpool in their Champions League last-16 tie in February.

Portugal and AC Milan forward Leao, 23, is thought to be the Italian coach’s preferred option.

Leao is set to kick off his World Cup campaign when the Euro 2016 winners face Ghana on Thursday.

Argentina and Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, 25, is also in the running.

Martinez has seven strikes in 15 Serie A outings this season and has hit 21 goals in 40 international appearances for La Albiceleste.

In other news

AC Milan will attempt to secure a loan deal to bring Chelsea and Morocco winger Hakim Ziyech to the San Siro in January, report Corriere dello Sport.

Ziyech’s compatriot Youssef En-Nesyri is a target for West Ham, with Italian media claiming the Hammers will table a bid for the Sevilla forward in January.

The Irons are also interested in Borussia Dortmund and Portugal left-back Raphael Guerreiro, but reports from Germany say Leeds will be a rival suitor.