Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has all-but written off Real Madrid’s chances of winning this season’s Champions League.

LASSANA DIARRA admitted the lure of Spanish giants Real Madrid was just too great to turn down after completing his “dream” switch to the Bernabeu from Portsmouth.

Cameroon international Lauren believes Real Madrid have got themselves a potential star if they complete the signing of his Portsmouth team-mate Lassana Diarra.

Alex Ferguson’s hopes of attracting Lyon midfielder Mahamadou Diarra to Manchester United this summer appear doomed to failure.

Chelsea and Manchester United are on red alert following confirmation Mahamadou Diarra is hoping for a move to the Premiership next season.