Real Madrid transfer news: Alisson talks up transfer to Real, Carvajal to welcome former striker back, Perez to beat Barcelona to the signing of star defender and more - 17th March 2018

#3 Real Madrid to trump Barca to the signing of young defender

The Slovakian

centre-back

is wanted by La Liga's big two

Some of the most recent reports from Spain indicate that Los Merengues have the edge on Barcelona as both clubs weigh up deals for the very impressive Martin Skriniar.

The Slovakian international has alongside Mauro Icardi been one of the Inter Milan's better performers this season and is set to be caught in a tug of war between the El Clasico rivals.

According to Don Balon, Real and Barcelona are monitoring him as the Catalans see him as Gerard Pique's long-term replacement.

Los Blancos on the other hand, want the Slovakian to partner captain Sergio Ramos at the centre of defence as doubts remain over Raphael Varane's ability to stay injury free and Jesús Vallejo's relative inexperience.

The newspaper reports that Real supremo Florentino Perez has gotten ahead of his Barca counterpart Josep Maria Bartomeu as he has already held talks with the 23-year-old's agent regarding a possible move.

It remains to be seen how this pans out but it promises to be one to watch out for when the summer transfer window opens after the World Cup.