Hierro future clouded as Real go for Ajax's Chivu

With Ajax skipper Christian Chivu expected to be on his way to Real Madrid in the summer, fresh speculation over Fernando Hierro's long-term future has surfaced.

Ajax president Arie van Eijden confirmed last week to club shareholders that Chivu would be sold, with the likely buyers being Real.

Juventus and AC Milan are also chasing the Romania international, but Dutch sources insist Chivu has his heart set on joining the European champs.

Hierro is still to hear from Real regarding a new contract after demanding that the club make their intentions known to him by the end of this month.

Many observers believe Real sports chief Jorge Valdano has lined-up Chivu as a direct replacement for Hierro.

Real are expected to pay around £13 million for the left-sided defender.