Real Madrid wish to sign Roma's Miralem Pjanic and want "to reel him in as soon as possible" as they plan their move for the Bosnian midfielder.
Jose Felix Diaz of Marca reported the talented playmaker, who has a €45 million release clause, has become an "out-and-out target" for manager Rafael Benitez as he looks to find a way to make his Los Blancos side tick.
Madrid beat Real Sociedad in La Liga on Wednesday, but Benitez's side looked short of energy and flair as they stumbled to a 3-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu.