Real Madrid host city rivals Atletico in the Copa Del Rey tonight – see all the best betting here

Real Madrid are hoping to sign a striker in January as Gonzalo Higuain looks unlikely to return to action this season.

The Argentine forward underwent keyhole surgery on a slipped disc in his back earlier this week and he is not expected to play again this season.

Real have previously said they were not keen to sign a striker, but now coach Jose Mourinho is looking to strengthen his attacking options.

“I have only Benzema and a club like Arsenal, you have five strikers,” said Mourinho.

According to reports Real have drawn up a short-list of four strikers as potential signings this month. They are Miroslav Klose, Nelson Valdez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Adam Szalai.

Klose is believed to be the most likely option with his current deal due to expire in the summer, meaning they could land him from Bayern Munich without paying a huge fee, although he would be ineligible for the Champions League.

Real Madrid host city rivals Atletico in the Copa Del Rey tonight – see all the best betting here

Take advantage of the January sales by saving up to 36% on a subscription to World Soccer