Real Madrid's January transfer plans revealed as Carlo Ancelotti plots role change amid defensive injury crisis

Ancelotti is not expecting Madrid to dip into the transfer window this winter despites losing key defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao to season-ending injuries, according to Relevo. Los Blancos are not interested in participating in an "inflated market" and want the Italian to simply use the resources he has available to him from now until the end of the season.

All of which means that Ancelotti is planning a major role change in a bid to fortify his defence. The Madrid boss has decided that France international Aurelien Tchouameni will play at centre-back until Militao returns, while exciting youngster Raul Asencio will step up and become part of the first team. Ancelotti has used Tchouameni in defence before and has previously claimed he "has all the qualities to be one of the best centre-backs in the world". Moving Tchouameni into defence also means that Eduardo Camavinga will be able to play in his preferred pivot position in midfield.

Madrid's defensive options could also be boosted soon by the return to fitness of David Alaba. The Austrian has been out with a serious knee injury for almost 12 months but is expected to make his long-awaited comeback in January 2025, according to AS.

Los Blancos are back in action after the international break on Sunday when they take on Leganes in La Liga. Ancelotti's men then head to Anfield for a blockbuster Champions League clash with Liverpool.