Real Madrid chief meets Samuel reps to talk options

Real Madrid sports chief Jorge Valdano met with the representatives of AS Roma defender Walter Samuel this week.

Italian press reports state Valdano spoke to Eduardo Bermudez and Raul Oliveros, plus Eduardo Balbo, about several of their young Argentine clients. However, the talks soon moved to Samuel's situation at Roma and whether he would be interested in a move to Real in January.

Samuel's contract with Roma runs out in 2006 and the player's representatives informed Valdano that the Argentina international was happy with the club.

Later that evening, Italian newswires ran a report suggesting Real could offer Claude Makelele and Michel Salgado to Roma for Samuel.