Real Madrid have reportedly identified Al-Nassr centre-back Aymeric Laporte and Tottenham Hotspur right-back Pedro Porro as two of their top defensive targets for 2025.
Los Blancos are currently dealing with an injury crisis in their backline, with Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao set to miss the rest of the season.
Carvajal sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the closing stages of last month's 2-0 win over Villarreal.
Carlo Ancelotti were dealt another major blow when Militao sustained the same injury as Carvajal in Saturday's 4-0 victory against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu.
In addition to those major blows, David Alaba is still working his way back from an ACL injury, while Lucas Vazquez is set to miss three weeks with a muscular issue.
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Real Madrid identify Laporte and Porro as top transfer targets
Having seen their defence hit by several injuries, Real Madrid are scouring the market for potential defensive reinforcements for 2025.
According to Relevo, Real Madrid's search has led them to identify Laporte and Porro as two of their top transfer targets to strengthen their backline.
Real Madrid CEO Jose Angel Sanchez has identified Porro as a potential right-back option, with Carvajal and Vazquez both in their 30s and entering the latter stages of their careers.
However, the report suggests it will be difficult to negotiate a deal with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, especially with Porro under contract until the summer of 2028.
As for Laporte, Real Madrid are aware that it will be difficult to prise him away from Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.
The Saudi Arabian side will be reluctant to part ways with one of their star names, even if it was just for a sixth-month loan deal to provide cover in Militao's absence.
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Why are Real Madrid targeting Laporte and Porro?
Laporte may be playing his club football in the Saudi Pro League, but he proved during Spain's Euro 2024 success that he can still operate at a high level.
The 30-year-old also boasts significant experience of winning silverware from his time as Man City where he won multiple honours, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown.
As a left-footed centre-back, Laporte would be able to slot seamlessly into the backline alongside Germany international Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Porro has seemingly impressed Real Madrid with his performances for Tottenham this season, with the defender regarded as one of the key players in Ange Postecoglou's side.
The 25-year-old has started all 11 of Tottenham Premier League matches this term, contributing to their offensive efforts with one goal and one assist.
Real Madrid continue to hold an interest in Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, but they could still move for Porro even if they sign the England international.
Porro and Laporte are set to represent Spain in their upcoming UEFA Nations League games against Denmark and Switzerland.
Real Madrid will be keeping a close eye on their performances as they weigh up whether to step up their interest in 2025.