Real Madrid to offer Morientes for Samuel

Real Madrid are set to open talks this week with AS Roma over a possible swap deal for defender Walter Samuel.

Marca says intermediaries from both clubs will put their proposals on the table for a swap involving Samuel for Real centre-forward Fernando Morientes.

Talks with Roma over a new contract have stalled for Samuel, who is tied to the Italian club until 2006.

Real are insisting on a straight swap and are confident they can agree terms with Samuel at figure less than what they are paying Morientes.