Real Madrid have reportedly pinpointed Espanyol midfielder Marc Roca as a cheaper alternative to N'Golo Kante ahead of the next transfer window.
Zinedine Zidane is anxious to find another midfielder of a similar mould to Casemiro, who has no real competition for his position at the Bernabeu.
Los Blancos have registered their interest in Kante but Chelsea, who signed him for £35m in 2016, have no interest in selling the Frenchman at any price.
According to a Spanish media outlet, Real have switched their attention towards striking a deal for Roca, who has a release clause of around £35.6m.
Roca was part of the Spain team which enjoyed a triumphant Euro Under-21s Championships over the summer and attracted interest from Bayern Munich following the competition.
The La Liga side have also been credited with an interest in signing Paul Pogba and Christian Eriksen, who are both likely to leave their respective clubs next summer.
Leo Nieboer
