Real Madrid ahead of Barcelona in Pedretti battle

Real Madrid and Barcelona are battling for Olympique Marseille midfielder Benoit Pedretti.

Both Spanish giants are scouring the winter market for a defensive midfielder and have turned their sights to French international Pedretti.

Barca approached Marseille this week for more information on Pedretti, only to discover that Real Madrid were already some way down the path to landing the midfielder when the January transfer window opens.