Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is ready to move for a Barcelona - and Leo Messi - reject.

Zidane has convinced Real president Florentino Perez that the need for a new centre-half signing remains acute, despite the market now being shut.

Diario Gol says Real scouts have offered Inigo Martinez, a suggestion Zidane has welcomed.

The Real coach is a fan of the Real Sociedad defender and Perez would be prepared to meet the €32m buyout clause in his current deal.

Interestingly, Martinez would already be a Barca player, if it was up to coach Ernesto Valverde. The Catalans were ready to meet his buyout clause and the defender was keen on the move.

However, Messi intervened and blocked the deal - due to fears of Martinez taking the place of good friend Javier Mascherano. Signing the Spain international in January would suit Real, particularly as he won't be Cup-tied from the Champions League.