Real Madrid confirms striker search

Published Jan. 14, 2011 12:58 a.m. ET

foxsports

Real Madrid is looking to sign a striker on-loan to replace the injured Gonzalo Higuain, director general Jorge Valdano said after Thursday's 3-1 Copa del Rey quarterfinals win over Atletico Madrid.

Higuain is unlikely to return from back surgery before April leaving Karim Benzema as the Spanish club's lone striker.

Valdano says it's "certain" the club is "exploring the market" in search of a player that "can help us for six months."

Coach Jose Mourinho says he would welcome any reinforcements as Benzema has struggled to find the back of the net this season with nine goals in 27 appearances.

Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor and Bayern Munich's Miraslov Klose are among those Madrid is reportedly looking at signing.