The English paper claimed that Real are 'desperate' to lure the Egypt striker to Santiago Bernabeu when the transfer window reopens in January.

Real coach Bernd Schuster has few attacking options at his disposal after Van Nistelrooy underwent a knee operation that brought a premature end to his season.

Los Merengues also target Inter Milan's Hernan Crespo, Genoa's Diego Milito and Real Zaragoza's Ricardo Oliveira.

However, Zaki seems the easiest target for nine-time European champions Real, the Daily Mirror added.

Zaki, who joined Wigan on a season-long loan from Cairo giants Zamalek, heavily impressed in the Premier League.

He scored eight goals so far to outshine several of the league's stars such as Wayne Rooney, Emmanuel Adebayor and Fernando Torres.