Real plan defence revamp

Real are still looking to sign a world-class defender to understudy Fernando Hierro and Aitor Karanka, and have several names on their list.

Coach Vicente Del Bosque has asked specifically for reinforcements in the centre of defence. First team regulars Hierro and Karanka have nothing to worry about regarding their role in next season's side but Del Bosque is keen to add a quality understudy who can be drafted in when either are out injured or suspended.

Deportivo's Manuel Pablo comes top of the list of candidates but the Galicians don't want to sell one of their prize players, least of all to their main rivals in la Liga.

Also lined up are Monaco's Rafael Marquez and Sporting Lisbon duo Roberto Gaspar Deus Severo, 'Beto' and Facundo Quiroga. Beto has been on Real's agenda since last year, but dragging the player away from Portugal won't be easy although Real are keeping their hopes up.

Quiroga is one of the brightest hopes of Portuguese football, the young star spent last season on loan at Napoli and again the Lion's chairman, Miguel Ribeiro Telles would be reluctant to sell.

Real's main problem is to tie a world-class player down but without breaking the bank. The Spaniards would offer any new reinforcements a salary close to what international starters are currently earning, around $US 1.5m.