Real Madrid are set to watch Spanish international Pedro Porro play during the international break with a view to potentially bid for the Tottenham star.
The 25-year-old has been one of the club's most consistent performers in their stuttering season, leading to a call-up for his country's games with Denmark and Switzerland.
Last month, Porro publicly admitted to being excited by Real's rumoured interest. "It fills you with excitement, doesn't it?" he told Relevo. "You have to focus on your work, but the fact that Real Madrid is interested in you is because you are doing things well."
The Spanish media outlet have now reported that the La Liga giants will be monitoring how Porro performs in the two Nations League mathes. Despite their 4-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday, Carlo Ancelotti's side saw their injury crisis deepen.
Centre-back Eder Militao was one of three players to leave the field, and is now set to be ruled out for nine months after being diagnosed with a torn ACL. Right-back Lucas Vazquez was also forced off, along with forward Rodrygo.
Another defender in David Alaba is already sidelined having also torn his ACL, and is now not expected back until 2025. Veteran Dani Carvajal is also a long way off a return after suffering a serious knee injury against Villarreal in October.
It leaves Ancelotti short of cover at the back, a situation the club are likely to address in January. And despite being linked to Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, it's Porro who now appears their primary target.
However, the Champions League holders are also said to be prepared for tough negotiations if they make a move. Porro is currently contracted at Tottenham until 2028, with Chairman Daniel Levy renowned for making transfers difficult for clubs.
It's a trait the Bernabeu chiefs are all too aware of following their prolonged pursuit of Gareth Bale in September 2013. Levy eventually got his wish for a world record fee, with the Welshman moving for £85.3million.
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Despite Tottenham's back-to-back defeats, Pedro notched assists in the games against Galatasaray and Ipswich last week. He also has previous La Liga experience, playing for Girona for two years before moving to Manchester City in 2019.
After failing to play a top-flight game for City, he headed to Sporting CP before going to Spurs on loan in 2022. He signed on a permanent deal the following year, and has now racked up 65 appearances for the north London club.