Figo backs Real move for Zidane

Real Madrid are prepared to include three first team players in a package to bring Juventus' Zinedine Zidane to the Bernabeu next season.

Claude Makelele, Michel Salgado and Flavio Concecaio would all be used in the part-exchange
deal along with $US 6m in cash for Juve to spend at their leisure.

But the Italians know exactly how much Zizou is worth and have told Real Madrid: "We'll have Figo plus the $US 6m".

Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez is determined to land Zidane before the summer is out but the operation could be costly.

The French star currently earns around $US 9m after tax, nearly 40 per cent more than Real's top earners, Figo, Raul and Roberto Carlos.

One person who is keen to see Zidane in the white shirt of Real Madrid is Luis Figo. Figo told reporters on Thursday:

"It would be a fantastic signing. I would love Zidane to play for us as he is one of the best players in the world".

With Juventus' Edgar Davids facing a lengthy ban been after testing positive for nandrolone, a deal involving midfielder Makelele going to Turin could prove more attractive to the Serie A outfit.