Real Madrid hope to seal deal for Roma's Cassano today

Real Madrid hope to close an agreement today with Roma over a transfer fee for striker Antonio Cassano.
 
A telephone hook-up between the Italian club and Real officials at the Santiago Bernabeu has been scheduled, with an agreement close to being struck.

Real's last offer was for £3.5 million and Gazzetta dello Sport says Cassano is willing to give up his image rights, which will net Roma an extra £1.2 million.

Cassano is desperate to see the move happen, having already tentatively agreed personal terms with Real. The deal runs to 2011 and begins at £2.5 rising to £2.75 million-a-year. Cassano is not on speaking terms with Roma executive director Rosella Sensi after rejecting the Italian club's final contract offer late last year.

It's also understood the departure of Arrigo Sacchi from Real has pleased Cassano, as he never saw eye-to-eye with the former general manager.

Real president Florentino Perez hopes to seal the deal this month - but will sign Cassano on a Bosman in May should a fee fail to be agreed.