Real are well off the pace in La Liga this season and currently sit a whopping 16 points adrift of arch-rivals Barcelona.

A number of Zinedine Zidane’s big names have not turned up this term, including the usually reliable Benzema.

Real chief Florentino Perez wants to get his side on track as soon as possible and is prepared to spend big to do so.

And Icardi has proved his receptiveness to a move to Madrid by allegedly choosing the shirt he wants to wear there.

According to Spanish outlet Diario Gol, the 24-year-old is determined to wear number nine at Real.

And he wants that shirt whether or not Benzema stays at the club.

Icardi’s chances of a January switch have been hampered by Zidane saying he does not need any new signings.

And Inter are likely to resist a deal unless they see their £89m (€100m) valuation met.

Diario Gol suggest Perez will try to twist Zidane’s arm to convince him Real need Icardi now.

Otherwise the Argentine may have to wait until after this summer’s World Cup to swap the San Siro for the Bernabeu.

By that point Benzema may have already left Real with Perez hoping to overhaul Zidane’s attack.

Express Sport understands Gareth Bale is likely to be on the move with the club fed up of his long list of injury problems.