Rafael Leao has been identified by Real Madrid as their top transfer target in January.
Following the injury sustained by their No. 9 Karim Benzema while on international duty in Qatar, Los Blancos are in need of attacking reinforcements.
Prior to Tuesday’s World Cup opener between France and Australia, Benzema, 34, injured his thigh during training.
Benzema injury update
The Ballon d’Or winner has already missed nine games this season, but he still serves as Carlo Ancelotti’s only designated center forward.
Spanish media reports that Ancelotti has persuaded club president Florentino Perez that the European champions must actively look for a Benzema replacement to prevent a season without a trophy.
The Madrid team trails Barcelona by two points in LaLiga and will play Liverpool in the Champions League last-16 match in February.
Leao, a 23-year-old forward for Portugal and AC Milan, is rumored to be the Italian coach’s top choice.
Leao will begin his World Cup campaign on Thursday when the Euro 2016 champions take on Ghana.
Lautaro Martinez, a 25-year-old striker for Inter Milan and Argentina, is also a candidate.
Martinez has scored seven goals in 15 Serie A games this season and 21 goals in 40 appearances for La Albiceleste at the international level.
