Madrid Set Their Sights on Chivu

Real Madrid's coaching staff have pinpointed a central defender as the position that really needs strengthening and Christian Chivu is top of the wanted list.

While Jorge Valdano understands the need to bolster the back line, reports in Spain claim that the European champions will approach Ajax towards the end of the season.

David Beckham's name continued to crop up as president Florentino Perez looks to perservere with his policy of signing a player that will recoup his transfer fee in spin-offs.

The success of Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo away from the field have persuaded Perez that another world class star is needed this summer.

But Madrid's coaches really want a defender and have held meetings with Valdano to persuade him to stretch the budget.

Chivu has a buy-out clause of €19million, but at 22 Madrid see him as an ideal young replacement for club captain Fernando Hierro, who appears likely to only play on for one more campaign.

If Chivu proves to be too costly, then Auxerre's highly-rated Philippe Mexes could be next on Real's agenda.