Real Madrid want to add steel to their midfield and have begun scouting Boca Juniors battler Wilmar Barrios, according to reports.

Barrios, 25, has excelled since he joined the Buenos Aires giants two years. He also represented Colombia with distinction at World Cup 2018.

Marca have stated that Los Blancos are studying whether to activate a €24 million release clause in the anchor man’s contract, that expires in 2021. In the summer, Tottenham Hotspur failed to pay this fee.

Madrid’s chase comes from a lack of confidence in youngster Marcos Llorente. They could face Barrios’ employers in December’s Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi if the Copa Libertadores semi-finalists manage to win the competition.