With FC Barcelona desperate to sign a striker outside of the transfer window due to injuries, the club is now believed to be after a shock target.
According to Spanish publication AS, the Blaugrana are considering an emergency move for former Arsenal flop Lucas Perez, who currently plays for Alaves.
With Quique Setien's squad riddled with injuries, the LaLiga champions could be given special permission to sign a player despite the transfer window having closed two weeks ago.
Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez is only set to return to fitness in April, while French winger Ousmane Dembele was recently ruled out for the rest of the season.
In order for Barcelona to complete the signing of Perez, or whichever striker they end up launching an official bid for, the club would require permission from the medical department of Spanish Football Federation.
Since returning to LaLiga from his disappointing Premier League spell with Arsenal and West Ham United, Perez appears to have rediscovered his goalscoring form with nine strikes in 22 games so far this season.
It has been suggested that Barca could bid up to €25 million (R405 million) for the 31-year-old, who recently admitted he would be interested in joining the Catalans.
