Real Madrid ponder bid for Chelsea target Samuel

Real Madrid sports director Jorge Valdano is locked in talks with president Florentino Perez over a possible move for AS Roma defender Walter Samuel.

The Argentina international is becoming unsettled at Roma, with the centre-half keen to join a team that is regularly challenging for trophies.

Chelsea are in the frame to sign Samuel, but Real chief Valdano is also keen.

The stumbling block is Real's policy of not spending big money on defenders. Perez and Valdano know that with Roma cash-strapped there may never be a better time to sign Samuel, but it could force a rethink over their summer transfer plans with a galactico still on the agenda.