Real Madrid have confirmed that they are in negotiations with Roma, and it has been suggested in Spain that the club are trying to buy three players.

Spanish newspaper Marca suggests that Real are looking to sign Walter Samuel, Emerson and Francesco Totti from the Serie A club.

“Nobody from Real Madrid has travelled to Roma, but yes it is certain that we are holding talks with the aim of reaching an agreement, but I can’t say any more,” a Real spokesperson told Marca.

Both Samuel and Emerson have been linked with a move to Chelsea while Totti admitted that Real Madrid were the only club he would be prepared to quit Roma for.

Real Madrid’s policy of only signing big-name attacking players has backfired in spectacular fashion with the club ending the season empty-handed. Consequently, defensive reinforcements are a priority for a team who have looked shaky at the back since the retirement of defender Fernando Hierra and the sale of midfielder Claude Makelele.

The recruitment of Samuel and Emerson would fill the void left by Hierra and Makelele respectively, but inevitably, it would be the acquisition of Totti which would attract the headines.

Real director of sport Jorge Valdano has admitted the club would love to bring the forward to Spain.

“Anybody would like Totti in their team. I won’t say any more,” he is reported to have stated regarding the latest round of speclation.

Totti’s arrival could also signal the end for David Beckham at Madrid. After starting brightly in Spain, the England captain has failed to impress in recent months and he could well be the player sold to make way for Totti.