Premiership duo chasing Macca

Leeds United may join Arsenal in the race to sign Steve McManaman - if Real Madrid complete the world record capture of Zinedine Zidane.

The England midfielder is certain to find his first-team opportunities further restricted if World Cup winner Zidane completes a £42million transfer from Juventus to The Bernabeu.

Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale revealed this week that the Elland Road club have set their sights on bringing in one top signing ahead of next season in a deal in excess of Robbie Keane's £12million transfer from Inter Milan - but less than that of their £18million swoop for Rio Ferdinand.

McManaman, 29, is bracketed in the £15million region and may favour a return to the Premiership if Zidane arrives in Madrid.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keen to add to his midfield options and, despite their bid to sign Japan star Junichi Inamoto, may enter the race for McManaman if Real give any indication that he is for sale.

The former Liverpool star endured an indifferent start to life in La Liga following his Bosman move from Anfield two years ago but rode the storm and went on to achieve huge glory, scoring in Real's 3-0 Champions League Final victory over Valencia.

There were suggestions last season that he was set to join Middlesbrough, but the winger denied any intention to do so.