Real Madrid eye January swoop for Icardi

All is not well at the Santiago Bernabeu. What started off as a small hiccup has quickly become the beginning of a full-blown crisis. The team is failing to recover, prompting club directors to examine the current squad and determine the need for recruits in the winter transfer window.

Real Madrid have never really taken to the January window, believing it is hard to find a player that will make a difference, but the situation is such that many names are on the table. What seems clear is that sooner or later a striker will be added to Zidane's squad, depending on the team's form from here to the 'Clasico' on December 23.

Mauro Icardi is the preferred option. Inter are in talks to sign an extension to his current deal, setting a €220 million buyout clause. As of now, the Serie A giants want €100 million for the Argentine, who has banged in 15 goals in 14 fixtures so far this season. The striker himself is keen on a move and 'Los Blancos' are interested in him not only to fill the void, but Zidane sees him as a long-term replacement for his ageing forward line.

Other options are being considered at the Santiago Bernabeu. Timo Werner would not be able to feature in the Champions League if he joins in January having already appeared for RB Leipzig. Alexis Sanchez is another option but the Chilean seems destined to reunite with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad. Also, Arsene Wenger will not let him leave in January.