Al Jazira vs Real Madrid Will Los Blancos buy a striker?

If Real Madrid complete the signing of a new striker in January, it appears it will be against Zinedine Zidane's wishes, as the coach indicated on Wednesday evening.

After another difficult day at the office for Karim Benzema in the Club World Cup semi-final, the forward was nonetheless publicly backed by his boss.

"[Benzema] has been very good and I will not ask for a striker," Zidane told reporters.

"Everyone can have their opinion, he had a good game.

"The team have created chances and I'm disappointed for him because the ball didn't want to go in.

"We have to think about our recovery. I'm happy with how everyone played."

The likes of Timo Werner, Mauro Icardi and Fyodor Smolov have all been linked with a switch to Madrid as January signings look increasingly likely given the side's problems in front of goal.