Real Madrid are preparing to launch a shock summer move for a Tottenham defender this summer, a report has claimed.

The LaLiga giants, whose trophy-laden era under Carlo Ancelotti came to an end on Monday after the Italian was confirmed as the new manager of Brazil's national team, are gearing up for a crucial summer in the transfer market.

Former Los Blancos star Xabi Alonso is imminently expected to take over at the Bernabeu following an impressive stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga undefeated last campaign.

Ahead of the Spaniard's arrival, Real Madrid chiefs are already lining up a summer swoop for Cristian Romero — with the manager reportedly a huge fan of the centre-half.

According to The Sun, Alonso is confident Romero would be the perfect addition to Real Madrid's squad and help him win silverware in his debut season at the Bernabeu.

The Spanish club are set to finish the campaign without success in the Champions League, Copa del Rey or LaLiga, having slipped seven points behind Barcelona with three games to go following a 4-3 defeat in El Clasico on Sunday.

Real Madrid's Champions League title defence was cut short by Arsenal at the quarter-final stage, while Ancelotti's side were beaten again by Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.

Despite Real Madrid's pursuit of Romero, the report claims that Spurs have no interest in selling the World Cup winner.