According to reports in Spain and Italy, Roma’s Antonio Cassano will become a Real Madrid player within the week.

The Italian international has been frozen out at the Stadio Olimpico sour after refusing to sign a new deal with Roma, and looks set to move in January in a bid to revive his chances of making Italy’s World Cup squad.

With Juventus ruling themselves out of the race, Madrid looks the most likely destination.

They are believed to have offered the player a five-and-a-half year contract worth €4m a season, and Roma coach Luciano Spalletti admits he may soon lose the talented Cassano.

“About Cassano’s situation I’m only waiting developments, in each way they will be,” said Spalletti.

“Cassano is one of the best players I’ve ever trained, knowing if tomorrow the player will be there or won’t be there doesn’t change for me.

“About his future I don’t want to have an idea, I wait.”