Real after Luque

Real Madrid's technical staff have asked about the availability of Mallorca’s Spanish striker Alberto Luque Martos.

The 23-year-old Catalan star has attracted interest from a number of clubs including Barcelona, who want to sign the player on a free transfer when his contract at Mallorca expires in 2002.

Real meanwhile, want to know more about the player's temperament - whether he will fit in with the rest of the squad and not cause trouble when he is out of the squad.

But they need not worry; reports say that Luque is an exceptional character, who gets along well with his team-mates and coach Luis Aragones.

Added to which, he has netted 10 goals for the Mallorquines this season and has been a key player in their ascent to a Champions League place next season.

However, Mallorca may sell the former Spanish Under-21 star to the highest bidder, pre-empting a situation where he will be able to walk free from Son Moix under the Bosman ruling in a year's time.

Real may bargain with Mallorca, who are keen to hang on to Samuel Eto'o - the Cameroon-born striker has spent the past season on loan to the islanders from Real.