Pablo the Real deal

Real Madrid are to make a concerted effort to bring Deportivo defender Manuel Pablo to the Bernabeu next term.

Sports Manager Jorge Valdano is a huge fan of the 25-year-old right-back, who has been impeccable for both club and country this season.

Manuel Pablo was the star of Spain's 4-1 victory against Bosnia at the weekend - he is an attacking defender, quick with great crossing ability and solid in defence. Real see the Depor star playing an important role behind Luis Figo on the right flank.

According to reports from the capital, Real sent Deportivo a fax on Monday, offering $US 18m for the talented international. But Depor chairman Augusto Cesar drives a hard bargain and is expected to point out that the player's buy-out fee is set at more that $US 50m.

The two clubs are expected to haggle over a fee for the player, who is under contract at La Coruna until 2005.