Real Madrid ready to test Roma resolve over Cassano

Real Madrid are monitoring contract talks between AS Roma and star striker Antonio Cassano.

Real's Italian GM, Arrigo Sacchi, has discussed the youngster's situation with president Florentino Perez and his No2, Emilio Butragueno.

Roma president Franco Sensi has slapped a £17 million price-tag on Cassano and Perez and Sacchi have agreed to go as high as £12 million for the player.

Everything will depend on contract talks between Cassano's representatives and Roma director Rossella Sensi. If a deal cannot be thrashed out before June, then Roma will have less than 6 months before the striker can sign a pre-contract with another club.