Real Madrid plotting winter attempt to sign Colombia midfielder

Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to make a winter approach to sign Colombian midfielder Wilmar Barrios, who is currently in the ranks of Boca Juniors.

The 25-year-old was particularly impressive for Colombia during the World Cup finals in Russia earlier in the year and this saw him linked with numerous clubs including Tottenham Hotspur.

According to Marca, scouts from the European champions have been watching the midfielder closely in recent weeks and Los Blancos could be prepared to make a winter raid for his services.

It is added that the Bernabeu giants could land him for his modest release clause of around £21m, though they may be willing to pay more to ward off other potential suitors.

Barrios, who is being considered as a potential competitor to Casemiro, joined Boca from Colombian side Deportes Tolima in 2016. He has since managed over 50 appearances for the side across all competitions for the Argentine champions.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have endured a disappointing start to the current campaign and they most recently sacked their manager Julen Lopetegui after they suffered an embarrassing 5-1 defeat to Barcelona which sees them ninth on the table.