Real Madrid closer to Roma star Totti

The possibility of AS Roma skipper Francesco Totti becoming Real Madrid's galactico for 2004 is gathering momentum.

It's reported Real intermediaries have already made informal contact with Totti's representatives and have been encouraged by the feedback about a move next season.

Totti has admitted openly that if he ever was to leave hometown club Roma then it would be only for one other - Real Madrid.

Only last week, Roma coach Fabio Capello revealed that a huge offer for the Italian international had been turned down. Though, Real sports director Jorge Valdano said last night: "If Roma has received a galactic offer for Totti, then it has not come from us."

Roma's financial problems have not been lost on Real and though Totti's £6.5 million salary is way above their wage cap, the player could be facing a pay-cut unless Roma president Franco Sensi can work a miracle and arrest growing debts.