Real Madrid chief hints at Mascherano deal

Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno has hinted at a move for River Plate midfielder Javier Mascherano.

The Argentina international is just 20, but is being considered by Real as an alternative to No1 midfield transfer target Patrick Vieira of Arsenal.

Real coach Jose Antonio Camacho is pushing for the club to bring in a new midfielder and when quizzed about the prospect, Butragueno said: "Real Madrid have shown, time and again, that if an opportunity appears to sign an important player we will do it - no matter how late it is."