Real set for new Mendieta bid

Real Madrid have once again been linked with a move for Valencia ace Gaizka Mendieta and will approach him if Zinedine Zidane does not sign.

Madrid still hope to bring Zidane to the Bernabeu in the close season, but if that switch falls through then they will step up the chase for the Champions League finalist.

The Madrilenos have long been interested in aquiring Mendi but as previously reported, their interest has been aroused once again with reports that the player is keen to move away from the Mestalla.

The 26-year-old star is highly regarded as one of the top players in Spain. He is a flamboyant midfielder, strong defensively and a free-kick and penalty specialist.

Real are looking for three reinforcements - a midfield organizer, striker and a right-back. Club chairman Florentino Perez has his mind set on signing Juventus' Zidane. But the operation to bring the Frenchman to Spain will not be easy and Mendi is a safer option.

The Valencia skipper would play a more central role alongside Ivan Helguera, effectively leaving Claude Makelele out in the cold. Mendieta signed a new deal with Valencia back in September. He is under contract until 2007, with a buy-out fee of $US 59m - a figure far in excess of Real's budget.

AC Milan are also chasing the player but negotiating with the chairman Pedro Cortes is not simple. The only option open to Real would be to include one or more players in the deal, Cortes however, is expected to hold out for the hard cash.