Real Madrid have opened talks with Villarreal for midfielder Borja Valero.

Despite the summer market being months away, Real have already opened negotiations for Valero, says El Mundo Deportivo.

A flop at West Bromwich Albion, Valero has been outstanding since returning to Spain and Real see him as cover for Xabi Alonso, before eventually succeeding him as their prime playmaker.

The 27 year-old, who came through with the Real Madrid Castilla, is tied to Villarreal until 2016 and has a buyout clause of €40 million.