REAL HOME IN ON ZANETTI

REAL MADRID are homing in on Javier Zanetti from Internazionale, but are keen to set up a player plus cash deal to bring the Argentine to Spain.

Mindful, no doubt, of the reputed £43 million that they will be paying to Juventus to purchase Zinedine Zidane, Real's interest in Zanetti appeared to have tapered off.

However, reports from Spain have suggested that they are still considering paying the expected £14 million price fee, unless they can persuade new Inter coach Hector Cuper that he wants defender Michel Salgado - who would halve the cash price.

Zanetti is believed to be keen on a move to Spain after his stellar career in Italy has staled somewhat.

Interest from Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson looks likely to be dimmed by the arrival of Juan Sebastian Veron but Real are still desperate to keep ahead of the game - and chiefly rivals Barcelona - after taking the title at a canter last season.