Los Angeles Galaxy striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has emerged as a shock rumoured transfer target for European champions Real Madrid.
The 37-year-old has made an immediate impact in Major League Soccer since joining from Manchester United in March, netting 22 goals and setting up seven more in just 27 games.
Spanish outlet Cadena COPE claims that Ibrahimovic is now being lined up for a surprise return to La Liga, eight years on from his bitter Barcelona departure, as Madrid are looking for a short-term fix up front.
Los Blancos failed to replace record goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer and recently went 481 minutes - a club record - without scoring a goal in all competitions.
The hunt for a new striker is said to be underway and, with limited options to choose from, Ibrahimovic is reportedly considered the best bet as the MLS season will have concluded before January 1.
Daniel Lewis
