After missing out on Leny Yoro, Real Madrid find themselves against the wall to hunt for a new centre-back ahead of the next season.
Carlo Ancelotti, after all, has only three centre-backs available who he counts on, of which David Alaba is still recovering from an ACL injury.
The pressing need has got Los Blancos skimming through the market for the right fit, especially a temporary fix.
Surprisingly, they are now linked to a player they faced in the UEFA Champions League final last season.
Operation Hummels
As revealed in an update via AS, Real Madrid have their eyes set on Mats Hummels. The 35-year-old Borussia Dortmund legend left the club after the UCL final and is currently without a team.
The German star was in negotiations with Bologna as he hunts for the next step in his career. Possible interest from Real Madrid, however, has paralysed talks between the two parties.
Despite being 35 years of age, Hummels was at the top of his game last season, making 25 appearances in the Bundesliga and overseeing five clean sheets in the process. Further, he averaged a stunning ten defensive actions per game.
A dire situation
Carlo Ancelotti currently has Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger as his only available centre-back options. David Alaba is still some away from a return, and even then he will require time to return to his best after a grappling injury.
The manager indeed has the services of Jesus Vallejo available. However, it is clear at this point that the club do not wish to give the Spaniard a run in the team despite his desire to stay.
A new signing, at this point, is thus non-negotiable. Already at the end of his career, Hummels could well be the right short-term fix the club require before splashing on a new young defender.