I am ready for Real switch, says Contra

Alaves defender Cosmin Contra has insisted that he is good enough to play for one of Europe's top clubs. "I'd be ready to play for Real Madrid," said the Romania international who terrorised the Liverpool defence in Wednesday night's Uefa Cup final.

Contra has already attracted the attention of Champions' League finalists Valencia this season and, with a number of other big clubs reportedly on his trail, Alaves seem certain to lose the stylish full-back in the summer.

The 25-year-old was impressive during Alaves' remarkable performance against Liverpool in the Dortmund classic. It was his pinpoint crosses – one with each foot – that led to the Spanish side's first two goals.

But the former Dinamo Bucharest defenderhas declared that he believes the time is right to move on. "I'm ready to play for a big club. I've really grown up in the last couple of years at Alaves," said Contra, who was recently awarded 'Community B' status by a Spanish court which makes him eligible to play as an EU player.

"I don't think I'd find it difficult moving to a big club. I'm ready. I'm not afraid to go and play for Real Madrid – or any other big club that wants to come in for me."

Contra's agent Giovani Becali was set to meet Real officials in Dortmund before the Uefa Cup final, according to some reports.

Meanwhile, Spanish agent Tente Sanchez - a close acquaintance of Becali – was reported to have flown to Milan at the weekend to discuss Contra's situation with Internazionale president Massimo Moratti.

Contra courted controversy in January when he hit out at Real Madrid full-back Roberto Carlos and the officiating in La Liga, which he claimed leans too heavily in favour of the bigger sides. Roberto Carlos committed a dangerous tackle on Contra's team-mate but went unpunished.

The same month, Contra talked down speculation that he would move clubs mid-season. "It is natural that a player should want to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world," he said, "and not just for the money, but for the performances as well. But I am an Alaves player.

"What happens in the summer we will see, but at the moment my mind is only for Alaves. I have no preference for Real Madrid or Barcelona," he added. "I will sit down and look at whatever offers I have, and then decide on my future."

Contra, who has also been linked with English club Tottenham Hotspur, has a buy-out clause of £7 million.