Sacchi set to become Real Madrid sports chief

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has struck a deal with Arrigo Sacchi for him to become the club's sports director next season.

Gazzetta dello Sport says Perez reached the agreement with Sacchi on the eve of Real's Champions League clash with AS Roma in Italy last week.

Sacchi will leave his director's job at Parma to join Real Madrid where he will have total control of player transfers and coaching appointments.

Perez has struggled to adequately replace Jorge Valdano since he left the club as sports director last year and turned to Sacchi after losing confidence in Emilio Butragueno.

Sacchi is delighted to be returning to Spain, where he still has to prove himself after a poor spell as coach of Atletico Madrid.