Real Madrid‘s defensive reserves have been sucked dry this season, so it is perhaps no surprise they are reportedly lining up a move for another defender in January.

According to Marca, Madrid are considering bringing Espanyol centre-back Mario Hermoso back to the capital, and could purchase him for as little as €7.5 million.

Luis Enrique’s latest call-up to the Spain squad has been hugely impressive for Espanyol this year as part of a defence that has conceded just eight goals in La Liga and guided the club to a heady second place in the division.

The 23-year-old has played every single minute in that run – scoring two goals to boot – and is available for a cut price due to a buyback clause, having left the Castilla side for Catalonia last year.

“Our football is very attractive and we have an exceptional group, it doesn’t even cross my mind right now,” he recently told Marca after being asked about potential interest from the Bernabeu.

Santiago Solari – or whoever replaces him at the helm – would welcome defensive reinforcements in January. Marcelo, Dani Carvajal and Raphael Varane have all been struggling with injuries, while Ramos has not looked like the same player without them.

Real may need to act decisively, however, with Unai Emery’s Arsenal also thought to be heavily interested.