Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain reportedly wants to leave the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season.

The 25-year-old, who has been behind Karim Benzema in the pecking order for some time, is understood to be ready to listen to offers, according to El Confidencial. The report claims the Argentine wanted to leave last summer but was talked into staying at the club for another season.

Gonzalo Higuain
Reuters

However, Higuain is unconvinced by his role in the team this term as well and is now determined to leave. The player's agent, Norberto Recansens Cacho, has reportedly been instructed to begin negotiations with interested clubs.

El Confidencial and other reports from within Spain say the striker's most likely destination is Tottenham, regardless of whether long-time Madrid target Gareth Bale goes in the other direction. They state Higuain is now waiting for the north London outfit to make their move.

The Higuain-Spurs rumours started last week, when Sport reported the forward was likely to make a summer switch to a London-based club, as his pregnant girlfriend has to move to the English capital for professional reasons.

It is understood Tottenham have yet to contact Madrid regarding Higuain's availability. Of course, these reports assume Spurs are actually interested in signing the Argentine. The Spanish press seem to have taken that as a given, especially with the partnership agreement that came into existence between the two clubs last summer, along with Luka Modric's transfer.

Higuain, who joined Madrid in 2006 from River Plate for €13m, has nine goals and three assists to his name from 18 La Liga games this season. There is speculation Tottenham's cross-town rivals Arsenal are also interested in the Argentina international.

Meanwhile, Marca reports Madrid supporters are beginning to lose patience with Higuain and Benzema. Both strikers have been out of form for some time and have featured alternately in Los Blancos' recent games, missing several clear-cut chances.