Real chasing Beto

Real Madrid are reported to be desperate to sign Sporting defender Roberto "Beto" Severo, although he has claimed to be staying at the club.

According to the Spanish sports newspaper 'As', Real manager Jorge Valdano wants to talk with Beto and offer him a contract. This will not be the first offer for the player, as the club received another one from AC Milan a few days ago. The Italian giants offered him a better wage but Beto would prefer to play with his friend and international team-mate Luís Figo, who could be a very important factor in this process. It was Figo who advised Real to scout Beto and Valdano was delighted with what he has seen. Now, the most difficult part will be to convince Beto to sign for Madrid. Sporting are interested in doing business because the club needs the money but the player doesn't seem interested in playing abroad.

Valdano went to Portugal last week in an attempt to convince Beto to come to Madrid. According to 'As', Beto also received a proposal from AC Milan and has asked for some time to think about it. But Real don’t want to lose another player, after failing in their attempt to buy Alessandro Nesta from Lazio. The Italian player refused the Merengues proposal and signed a new contract with his club.

Meanwhile, Beto is currently in training with Sporting. This Thursday, after the session, the player confirmed to the press that Real Madrid are interested in signing him but denied any conversation with Jorge Valdano. "It’s not true, I haven't talked to anybody from Real," said the player, who celebrates his 25th birthday this Thursday