Primera Liga: Real Madrid close in on Rui Costa

Real Madrid are chasing Fiorentina's Manuel Rui Costa, according to newspaper reports in Spain.

A Spanish daily said Real had contacted Fiorentina expressing their interest in the 29-year-old Portugal midfielder.

The newspaper claimed £18m would be enough to secure Rui Costa, who has been with Fiorentina for seven seasons.

Real reportedly made an attempt to sign him in April but rejected a £25m asking price.

Another newspaper said Rui Costa was keen to move to the Spanish champions.

"Madrid are the world's best team. If I had the chance I wouldn't think twice about accepting," he said.

The paper suggested that the deal could come closer on Saturday when both Rui Costa and Madrid president Florentino Perez attend Luis Figo's wedding in Portugal.