Man Utd watch as Real Madrid begin Figo talks

Real Madrid will begin talks with winger Luis Figo next week about an early release from his contract.
 
The Portuguese has a year left on his Real deal, but won't be offered new terms and instead president Florentino Perez will seek to negotiate a pay-out for the final 12 months of his contract.

Figo has received mega offers from Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds and also Qatar, but will insist on staying in Europe for another year at least after announcing his return from international retirement.

The winger, 32, has hopes of moving to Manchester United in the summer and playing for Portugal at next year's World Cup in Germany.