Real Madrid have reportedly identified AC Milan centre-back Strahinja Pavlovic as a potential alternative to Dean Huijsen, should a summer move for the Bournemouth teenager fall through.
Los Blancos are planning to move for a new central defender during this summer's transfer window, and Huijsen, who has a £50m release clause in his Bournemouth contract, is believed to be the Spanish club's leading target.
The 19-year-old is also said to be on Liverpool's radar, though, and according to Fichajes, the reigning Spanish and European champions have identified as a potential alternative to the Spain international.
The report claims that Pavlovic has huge admirers among senior figures at Real Madrid, and he is viewed as an ideal player to boost the defence, should Huijsen prove to be out of reach in the upcoming market.
Real Madrid are allegedly confident that their strong relationship with Milan will place them in a strong position when it comes to any potential negotiations for the 23-year-old, who is 6ft 4in tall.
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Real Madrid 'view Pavlovic as Huijsen alternative'
Pavlovic came through the youth system at Partizan, progressing to first-team level in 2019, before making the move to Monaco, but he only represented the Ligue 1 team on 12 occasions during an unsuccessful spell.
The centre-back spent time out on loan with Cercle Brugge and Basel before a permanent switch to Red Bull Salzburg, and he represented the Austrian side on 68 occasions, with his form ultimately earning him a move to Milan last July.
Pavlovic has made 25 appearances for Milan this season, including seven outings in the Champions League, and his form is believed to have caught the attention of a number of European clubs.
Crystal Palace and Leicester City are among the clubs believed to have considered making a move in January, but he could now have the chance to make the switch to the reigning Spanish and European champions.
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Which other centre-backs are on Real Madrid's radar?
Arsenal's William Saliba is believed to be Real Madrid's dream defensive signing, but the Spanish giants would be unable to bring in the France international unless they were prepared to pay in the region of £80m, which makes the move a non-starter.
Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite also has admirers at the club, including head coach Carlo Ancelotti, but he would also be expensive, with the Toffees unlikely to listen to offers of under £60m for the Englishman.
Benfica's Antonio Silva has allegedly been offered to Real Madrid, while Valencia's Yarek Gasiorowski may be available for around £17m, making him a bargain signing during the upcoming transfer window.
Real Madrid are seemingly set to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer from Liverpool, while a new central midfielder could also arrive, with Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi allegedly emerging as their leading target.
Matt Law
