Orti stands firm over Mendieta deal

New Valencia chief Jaime Orti has got tough with Real, saying he will not be a pushover regarding negotiations to bring Gaizka Mendieta to Real.

During his first day in charge as president at Valencia on Monday, Orti made it clear that Real still have to pay Mendieta's buy-out fee, $US 54m, if they seriously want to land the player.

Mendieta opened the door to Real Madrid on Sunday evening, saying that he would relish the chance to play alongside Raul, Figo and Zidane, but first he must talk to Orti and organise his exit from Valencia.

Real, in the meantime, are reluctant to break the bank for Mendieta, while they still have plenty of options in midfield such as Albert Celades, Flavio Concecaio, Ivan Helguera, Zidane, Steve McManaman and Claude Makelele.

Real coach Vicente Del Bosque told reporters at the weekend that there would be more signings but refused to reveal any names.

Deportivo's Manuel Pablo and Inter Milan's Javier Zanetti are still on Real's agenda for reinforcements at right-back, but Del Bosque is keen to give B team starlet Oscar Minambres more of a chance in the first team starting from next term.