Mexes The Number One Target For Madrid

According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid are monitoring Philippe Mexes' situation very closely.

After Gabriel Milito's failed move last week, the Merengues are in need of a new centre-back to replace Fernando Hierro.

Mexes is currently in dispute with his club Auxerre over their refusal to let him leave, but could ultimately be available for four million euros.

Second-choice would be Sporting Lisbon's Beto who coach Carlos Queiroz knows very well. He also possesses that experience in Europe, that Milito never had.

Borussia Dortmund's Christophe Metzelder has also been linked, but is likely to be out of their price-range, while AS Roma still refuse to do business over Walter Samuel.