Real Madrid are rivalling Barcelona for Dynamo Kiev winger Andriy Yarmolenko, according to reports in Spain.
Sport say Florentino Perez has begun the process of re-shaping the Madrid squad and has identified Ukraine international Yarmolenko as an option.
Yarmolenko has been strongly linked to Barca in the past and was also a target of Premier League Everton, but Madrid have been in contact with his representatives.
The 26-year-old always preferred Barca, however, and Sport note he will hold out for La Blaugrana until the last moment.
A fee of €25m has been mooted but Madrid will work to reduce the price between now and the time they make their approach.
It’s suggested Yarmolenko would take the place of James Rodriguez, who Sport say has tested the patience of Los Blancos with his perceived indiscipline.
Particularly, Madrid weren’t happy that James delayed his return from South America shortly before the Clasico to attend to advertising commitments.
