Real Madrid 'Submit £87m Bid' for Premier League Star Hours After Benfica Defeat

Real Madrid have targeted a Premier League star in the wake of their defeat to Benfica - according to reports.

Madrid missed out on an automatic spot in the last 16 of the Champions League after suffering a shock defeat to Jose Mourinho’s side away from home.

Kylian Mbappe gave Alvaro Arbeloa’s side the lead after 30 minutes before Andreas Schjelderup levelled proceedings six minutes later.

Vangelis Pavlidis gave Benfica the later on the stroke of half-time from the penalty spot before Schjelderup added his second goal of the game 15 minutes after the interval.

Mbappe’s second goal of the game minutes later wasn’t enough to spark a Madrid comeback with the game descending into chaos late on.

Alvaro Arbeloa

Both Raul Asencio and Rodrygo were both sent off before goalkeeper Antanoliy Trubin headed home in the 98th minute to send Benfica into the play-offs.

Defeat leaves Madrid facing two extra games to progress into the last 16 and will face either Bodo/Glimt or Benfica again in the next round.

The defeat has also sparked Madrid into life in the transfer window, if reports are to be believed, with defensive reinforcements believed to be on the agenda of club president Florentino Perez.

Madrid are reportedly ‘desperate’ to improve their leadership in the back line which has forced their hand in bidding £87m to sign Cristian Romero from Spurs according to Fichajes.

The Argentine is viewed as the perfect addition to Madrid’s squad but it remains to be seen whether Spurs are willing to lose a key player with just days remaining in the winter window.

Nevertheless, the report states Madrid are confident Romero’s desire to move to the Bernabeu could be crucial to Perez facilitating an agreement with the North London side.

Cristian Romero is reportedly wanted by Real Madrid (Getty)

Romero pledged his long-term future to Spurs in August, signing a new contract that runs until 2029 meaning Thomas Frank is under no pressure to lose the man he appointed captain.

He was heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid but opted to stay at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

After signing his contract, Romero said: “I'm very happy here in the club. For me, this club is the best in the world.

"The last two weeks, first becoming captain and now signing the contract with the club. For me, it's a fantastic decision

"My message to the fans is thank you for your amazing support every day and every match. For me, and it's important also for the team."