Real Madrid are set to go head-to-head with Bayern Munich in the chase for Manchester United striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
Real president Ramon Calderon believes new coach Fabio Capello is considering a move for the 30-year-old Dutchman.
“It seems as though Fabio likes Van Nistelrooy,” Calderon told the club website. “He could complement Ronaldo.”
Meanwhile, Bayern are ready to speak to United, with club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge saying: “The player wants to come to us we know that.”
Van Nistelrooy’s future at United has been in doubt since he drove away from Old Trafford after learning he had been dropped for the final Premiership game of last season.
Despite spending most of the latter part of the Premiership season on the bench, Van Nistelrooy still finished the season as United’s top scorer, and he has plenty of admirers throughout Europe.
“Now we will approach the thing with all calm,” Rummenigge said in a newspaper interview carried on Bayern’s website.
“We have to speak with the player and naturally with Manchester United but there are no grounds for haste.”
But Bayern may face competition from Madrid, with newly-appointed Capello considering a bid for the stirker.
Club president Calderon added: “There is enough money for us to make six or seven reinforcements and they will be here before 3 August.
“The signings that Capello has asked for are possible.
“Of course I would like for Cesc Fabregas to be one of our signings. We had an agreement with the player during the presidential elections but we have yet to sit down with Arsenal and negotiate.
“With regards to Kaka, Capello has told me he is an exceptional player. Kaka wanted to come three months ago when I was a club executive but now we must talk to AC Milan.”
