Real Madrid Focus On Forlan As Villa Talks Stall

Real Madrid ’s whirlwind transfer juggernaut shows no signs of slowing down, even though they could be forced to part with almost €160 million in a space of seven days.

President Florentino Perez, who is busy trying to decimate his own world transfer record by signing Christiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, is also hard at work negotiating with Valencia for the signature of striker David Villa.

But despite claims from Chelsea ’s chief Spanish scout, Juan Sol, that ‘El Guaje’ is certain to join Madrid as talks are in an advanced stage, the latest reports appear to suggest otherwise and Perez could soon shift his attention to Atletico Madrid hitman Diego Forlan.

According to TV channel Cuatro, talks between the Merengues and Los Che have reached an impasse during the final stages of negotiations. It has also been reported that the Bernabeu outfit’s representatives held a late meeting with Forlan’s agent to assess the feasibility of signing the Uruguayan instead.

Atletico have reiterated that they do not intend to sell their ‘Pichichi’ and European Golden Boot winner, but the player’s €36 million buy-out clause leaves the club in a vulnerable position, as Forlan had previously indicated that he was open to a move if an appropriate offer came along.

Perez, meanwhile, is reportedly willing to offer Valencia no more than €30 million for Villa, but the player’s agent, Jose Luis Tamargo, has hinted that €35m plus Alvaro Negredo would only be enough to convince the Mestalla outfit to part with their star forward.