Vieira's agent expected in Madrid

Patrick Vieira's agent is expected to hold talks with Real Madrid on Thursday over a possible move for his client to the Bernabeu.

Marc Roger is set to meet with Madrid sports director Jorge Valdano in the Spanish capital, the paper As reported on Thursday.

Fuelled by world record breaker Zinedine Zidane's enthusiasm to link up with Vieira, the Spanish champions are prepared to offer around $US 35m to recreate the World Cup winning French duo amongst their first XI.

Despite Arsenal's reluctance to lose the international, who has three years of his contract remaining, they could decide that the hefty offer for the unsettled player is too good to turn down.

Vieira's future at Highbury was cast under a shadow during the summer when an English tabloid quoted the Frenchman as slamming The Gunners for a lack of ambition, adding that he is desperate for a move away.

The player has since said he was misquoted and returned to training on Monday, refusing to comment on the situation. However, the latest report claims that Vieira could well become a Real player by the end of the week.