Al-Nassr are reportedly planning a swap deal to sign Luka Modric from Real Madrid during the January transfer window.
Multiple reports had already linked Modric with a move to Saudi Arabia in the past with Al-Nassr stepping up their interest in the midfielder last month.
It was reported that the Riyadh giants wanted to strengthen their squad by bringing in the Croatian but Spanish outlets confirmed that Carlo Ancelotti wanted the 38-year-old until the end of the season.
With his contract running out in the summer, Los Blancos may be interested in a potential swap deal following a season-ending injury for centre-back David Alaba.
MARCA reported that the record European champions have been on the lookout for a defender in recent weeks and recently identified Al-Nassr’s Aymeric Laporte as a transfer target.
According to Defensa Central, Al-Nassr want to leverage Real Madrid’s interest and propose a swap with Modric until the end of the season.
Lack of defensive depth at the Bernabeu
The exchange could work well for both sides as Al-Nassr are currently well-equipped in their defence with Saudi duo Ali Lajami and Abdelelah Al-Amri both getting game time under Luis Castro this season.
On the other hand, Real Madrid are desperate for a central defender and this was evident in their last league game against Real Mallorca with France international Aurélien Tchouaméni starting at centre-back alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Modric hasn’t been a regular for Carlo Ancelotti and has made only nine starts after 19 games so far in the current La Liga campaign.