Reports in Spain claim that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is eyeing a move to sign Sergi Roberto from rivals Barcelona.

Transfers between Real and Barca are always controversial — none more so than Luis Figo's switch from the Nou Camp to the Bernabeu in 2000.

According to Diario Gol, Perez was inspired by that famous transfer and is now plotting to make 25-year-old Roberto the subject of 'Operation Figo'.

Real Madrid are reportedly plotting a bid to sign Spanish star Sergi Roberto from Barcelona

President Florentino Perez (right) is apparently willing to offload Dani Ceballos to make space

Diario Gol claim that Perez is also prepared to let Luka Modric go to facilitate Roberto's arrival

Modric went head to head with Roberto in this season's Supercopa de Espana back in August

Twenty-five-year-old Roberto has became a key player for La Liga leaders Barcelona this term

It is claimed that Perez is so keen to get Roberto in Real's team that he is willing to offload midfielders Dani Ceballos and Luka Modric to create space.

Ceballos, 21, and three-time European champion Modric, 32, have both been used in central midfield by Los Blancos this season, while Roberto has played in three different positions, including at full back and on the right flank for Barca.

Versatile midfielder Roberto is likely to start at right back on Sunday when Barca visit Villarreal.

The 2016 champions can re-establish their eight-point lead over title rivals Real with a win.

Ernesto Valverde's Barca players were put through their paces at the Catalan club's training centre on Saturday.

South American stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both wore hats to protect themselves from the cold weather of a European winter.

Barca boss Ernesto Valverde takes his team to Villarreal in search of three points on Sunday

Valverde's players were put through their paces at the club's training centre on Saturday

Lionel Messi wore a Nike hat to help keep himself warm during the pre-match training session

Fellow South American Luis Suarez, who has scored eight goals this season, wore a similar hat