Mauro Icardi to Real Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema step in to halt transfer

Real Madrid have been keen to bolster their attacking ranks after a nightmare first half of the season.

Current misfiring forward Karim Benzema has only two league goals to his name as Real sit fourth in the table. They have also been knocked out of the Copa del Rey.

So boss Zinedine Zidane and president Florentino Perez are said to have been searching for his long-term successor.

A number of candidates have caught the Frenchman’s attention including England and Tottenham striker Harry Kane.

However, according to Diario Gol, Los Blancos had everything in place to complete the transfer of Inter Milan forward Icardi.

Personal terms are said to have been agreed but the two clubs failed to find the middle ground on a transfer fee.

It is also suggested that current star Cristiano Ronaldo was not keen on his side adding more competition to his position.

Benzema added more internal pressure to the deal which eventually collapsed at the final hour.

Diario Gol add that Icardi himself has received a message that Ronaldo does not want him in the Spanish capital.

Instead, the Portugal international is hoping he can rebuild a partnership with Benzema and Gareth Bale, who has recently come back from a long-term injury.

However, the trio have so far failed to hit the heights which won two La Liga titles and consecutive Champions Leagues in recent years.