Real Madrid happy with progress over Arsenal's Vieira

Real Madrid are happy with how their pursuit of Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira is bubbling along.

While Real sports director Emilio Butragueno backed away yesterday from comments suggesting a deal was close for the Frenchman, the plan to sign Vieira is still on track.

Just as in the cases of David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane, denials have been made by all parties - except for the player, himself.

Vieira is yet to go public on Real Madrid's interest, fueling speculation that his desire is to move to Madrid.

AS says Real president Florentino Perez is keen to sign Vieira before the Champions League deadline on August 5. But if Arsenal continue to insist on valuing Vieira at £30 million, then he is prepared to wait until the final days of the summer transfer window.