Real Madrid's injury crisis has been a major issue this season and it has wreaked havoc with the team's defense. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal are among those who have been on the sidelines more often than not this term.
It makes a new center-back signing a must-have in this summer's transfer window and there have already been several names linked. Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck seems to be on the club's radar amid a fine spell in the Bundesliga.
The recruitment staff will report to Florentino Perez but it seems the Madrid president has already made a Tottenham Hotspur star a top priority.
According to Topskills Sports UK, Madrid have made an opening offer for Tottenham's Cristian Romero and the Argentine is at the top of their wishlist. Perez is said to be a "huge admirer."
Los Blancos are prepared to go "all out" for Romero who was on Atletico Madrid's radar last summer. He stayed with Spurs and signed a new long-term deal which doesn't expire until 2029.
Romero was even appointed as the Lilywhites' new captain which only further highlighted his status as one of the Londoners' most important players. But his side are enduring a disastrous season with the club sat 14th in the Premier League table.
The Argentine has made 26 appearances across competitions, posting six goals and four assists. He is a threat from set pieces but also one of the best tacklers in the English top-flight.
Madrid are looking at the wrong Tottenham defender
While Romero does have the tools to be a hit at Madrid he does weaknesses including a short fuse. The 27-year-old's passionate personality can see him lose his head, much like Antonio Rudiger has a tendency to do.
Romero's teammate Micky van de Ven is the one Los Blancos should be eyeing as he has all the makings of an excellent La Liga defender. The Dutchman is perhaps the fastest center-back in European football and he likes to drive forward with the ball.
The 24-year-old appears to be open to leaving Spurs amid previous reports suggesting Barcelona have shown interest. He has been a mainstay in the Lilywhites' team this season, appearing 30 times across competitions and registering seven goals and one assist.
Van de Ven could be an ideal Alaba replacement with the Austrian set to leave the Estadio Bernabeu in the summer. He is left-footed and his peak years are still ahead of him.