Madrid plotting new Vieira raid
Real Madrid are still chasing Patrick Vieira and are hoping to take him to the Bernabeu if Steve McManaman leaves them in the summer.
Real Madrid are still chasing Patrick Vieira and are hoping to take him to the Bernabeu if Steve McManaman leaves them in the summer.
England midfielder McManaman seems to be at the centre of Real's plans, with his proposed exit to an unnamed Italian club paving the way for a big-money swoop for Arsenal's vice-captain.
The former Liverpool player has 18 months left on his Real contract and he would be able to walk out on the Spanish giants for nothing when that expires - which is ironic considering he joined them on a Bosman when his Anfield deal came to an end.
A club insider said: "McManaman has done very well for us. But we expect him to move on in the summer. I have heard that his people are talking to an Italian club and if he goes then we will sign Patrick for sure."
Madrid already boast a midfield encompassing the talents of Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo - the pair costing a combined £85million.
The insider added: "This is just like Zidane and Figo. Do you think we cannot get Vieira? This is Real Madrid. We get who we want."
"There is no financial reason why we cannot get him now the money has come in from the training ground deal. I can tell you he will wear our shirt next season."
Vieira was repeatedly linked with a Highbury exit last summer, with Barcelona, Manchester United, Juventus and Real all reportedly close to taking him from The Gunners at one time or another. But those reports proved premature, with Vieira seemingly talked into staying in north London until at least the end of the current season, which culminates in the World Cup finals next June.
There is no doubt that the France international's skills and stamina would be hugely missed from Arsenal's side, should he leave. But it is thought that he wants to team up with compatriot Zidane in Madrid and that it is only a matter of time before that happens.
He will still be contracted to Arsenal at the end of the campaign and a sizeable fee would be in order, especially if he has a good tournament in Japan and Korea.
Real have a Plan B though, with Lazio's 27-year-old Spanish international midfield ace Gaizka Mendieta another target.
The insider continued: "(David) Beckham and (Thierry) Henry are very good players, while Steven Gerrard has also impressed us. But they are for another day. We want Vieira and we will get him."