Real Madrid have been strongly linked with a move for Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi in the winter window.

Zinedine Zidane's man have suffered a poor start to the season and trail rivals Barcelona by eight points in La Liga.

The Bernabeu boss is desperate to add more firepower to his squad after losing Alvaro Morata and James Rodriguez in the summer.

Icardi is understood to be their top target, with the Argentine ace understood to have a £98million buyout clause in his contract.

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However, Real's talisman Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly unhappy with their pursuit of the 24-year-old.

Diario Gol claim the Portuguese star feels Icardi is direct competition for his spot in Zidane's starting XI.

Meanwhile, Icardi claims he won't answer the phone if Real Madrid come calling.

That's according to the man himself, who has 15 Serie A goals already this season.

He spoke out after weeks of speculation linking him with a move to the Bernabeau.

Cristiano Ronaldo is 'unhappy' with Real MAdrid's pursuit of Icardi (
Image:
PA)

Speaking to Sky Sports , he said: "If I receive a phone call from Real Madrid, I won't answer.

"I do what I have to do on the field and then there are other people who take care of these matters.”

When quizzed further, he added: "You know what I think. There's nothing to say."

His coach at Inter, Luciano Spalletti, is also confident his star man will stay.

Icardi has been in fine form, bagging 15 goals in Serie A so far this season (
Image:
REUTERS)

He told Rai Sport : "I work with him every day and I get the impression he loves being with this team, and with his team mates.

"He lives really well in Milan, the fans love him, so I'm in no doubt that he'll stay here. He wants to sign a new contract with Inter and stay with us.

"If anyone asks him how long he would like to stay here, he'll tell them until the end of the playing career".

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