Real Madrid give Milan short shrift on Salgado offer

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani spent the weekend in Madrid as talks opened with Real Madrid over the January transfer of fullback Michel Salgado.

Galliani had hoped to meet with Real president Florentino Perez, but no face-to-face talks could be scheduled and instead the two spoke on the phone.

Milan are prepared to offer Brazilian defender Roque Junior in a straight swap for Spanish international Salgado.

However, Galliani received short shrift from Perez, with Salgado a required player for Real this season. The Milan vice-president was also told that Real wouldn't consider Roque Junior because he was Cup-tied after playing in the Champions League earlier this season.

Salgado's contract runs out in 2004 and Milan are expected to make a fresh bid at the end of the season. However, Real also are keen to begin talks over a new contract in March.