Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has identified his chosen successor.

The defender, 31, recognises Real need to make a new centre-half signing with options currently threadbare.

Diario Gol says Ramos has discussed Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte with Real president Florentino Perez.

Indeed, Ramos sees Laporte as the ideal defensive partner if Perez can clinch a January deal with Athletic.

Given the 23 year-old's French background, he would also be comfortable playing with Raphael Varane and be favoured by coach Zinedine Zidane.

Ramos is convinced Laporte can not only reinvigorate their defence in the short-term, but eventually succeed him as a leader in the long-term.