Real Madrid could make a huge defensive signing next summer, according to Marca.

The Whites are apparently concerned over the lack of depth in central defence, with there being few options behind first-choice pairing, captain Sergio Ramos and France World Cup winner Raphael Varane.

While Spaniard Nacho is a more than capable deputy and Jesus Vallejo still has the potential to make the grade full-time at the Bernabeu, the La Liga side are investigating other options.

Atletico Madrid ace Jose Gimenez and Barcelona‘s Samuel Umtiti have been previously linked but it looks unlikely they would switch between big rivals, though a summer move for Paris Saint-Germain star Marquinhos is a viable alternative.

Although Varane is only 25, the ex-Lyon man has endured a tough start to the season and Real want to find a long-term replacement for Ramos, who at 32 is far from done, but cannot play every single match moving forward. Julen Lopetegui’s resting of the talismanic captain in the defeat at CSKA Moscow in the Champions League being proof of that.