With Karim Benzema confirming the news of his shock exit from Real Madrid this past weekend, the Spanish capital giants have been left scrambling in the market to find a suitable replacement.

There are not many names who can provide the same number of goals and the quality and leadership that Benzema brought to the table.

As such, Tottenham Hotspur superstar and England captain Harry Kane has been identified as the top priority to fill in the shoes left vacant by the Frenchman. It is believed that the 29-year-old, who is entering the last year of his contract with Spurs, could cost €115 million.

But, according to a report from SER Deportivos, Real Madrid do not intend to pay more than €80 million to sign the England captain this summer. Instead, they are considering the possibility of offering Ferland Mendy as part of the deal to land him.

Mendy has been put up for sale by the Merengues this summer after growing frustrated over his recurring fitness woes. With Fran Garcia already set to arrive, the club are planning a move for another left-back, with Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies on the agenda.

Mendy, whose current market value is around €35 million, has previously been linked with a move to Tottenham. As such, Real Madrid could look to capitalise on the Lilywhites’ interest in the French defender by using him as a makeweight in the Kane operation.

The report further states that Los Blancos plan on offering a three-year contract worth €15 million per season to Kane. On top of that, they are understood to have made contact with the superstar striker’s brother and agent, Charlie.

Ideally, Real Madrid wish to finalise the operation before the second week of July, but Tottenham are in no hurry and president Daniel Levy could drag out negotiations until August.