Real Madrid are understood to be considering recalling England defender Jonathan Woodgate in January.
The central defender is currently on a season-long loan with his hometown club Middlesbrough and he has thus far performed admirably.
Ever since moving to the Spanish capital Woodgate has been dogged by injury, but he is now beginning to prove his fitness and this has not gone unnoticed at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"We are happy with Woodgate," said coach Fabio Capello.
"He is playing very well in England at the moment."
Capello refused to rule out the prospect of bringing Woodgate back to Spain when the transfer window re-opened.
"If we come across a player that will improve the team then maybe we will consider it, but we shall see."
Reports in Spain emerged last week suggesting that Madrid were considering recalling Woodgate and now relegation threatened Boro must be worried about the prospect of losing their key defender.
Woodgate missed Boro's defeat to Fulham on Monday with a twisted ankle but he is set to return to the team for Saturday's crucial clash with Charlton, which will be a huge boost for manager Gareth Southgate who is without Robert Huth and now Abel Xavier.
"Jonathan Woodgate should be back on Saturday, though Abel Xavier might be seven-to-ten days while Robert Huth may be a bit longer," said Southgate.
he need more games to prove his worth at real