Real Madrid are confident of beating Manchester United for Lyon midfielder Mahamadou Diarra.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson made a personal check on the Mali international this week in Milan, but Real have maintained regular contact with his agent for some weeks and are now ready to step up negotiations following his French club's Champions League elimination.
Real vice-president Emilio Butragueno has been speaking with Frederic Guerra, but his place will be taken by Madrid representative Ernesto Bronchetti.
Bronchetti has assured Real directors that Diarra wants a move to Spain and a deal could be agreed in the next fortnight.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson made a personal check on the Mali international this week in Milan, but Real have maintained regular contact with his agent for some weeks and are now ready to step up negotiations following his French club's Champions League elimination.
Real vice-president Emilio Butragueno has been speaking with Frederic Guerra, but his place will be taken by Madrid representative Ernesto Bronchetti.
Bronchetti has assured Real directors that Diarra wants a move to Spain and a deal could be agreed in the next fortnight.
