Real admit Roman may take Galacticos

Real Madrid’s director of football Jorge Valdano admits that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has the financial clout to lure some of his club’s ‘Galacticos’ to Stamford Bridge.

Real had apparently cornered the market in spectacular transfer coups since construction magnate Florentino Perez became club president in 2000 but since last summer Russian oil billionaire Abramovich has become the new big spender in European football.

Although he was answering a question about Chelsea’s reported interest in Barcelona star Ronaldinho, Valdano’s remarks come in a week where remarks attributed to Chelsea coach Claudio Ranieri said that the London club could stage a double transfer swoop for Real pair Ronaldo and David Beckham.

Both players have buy-out clauses of over £100million, but with the Russian’s personal fortune reportedly earning over £2million a day in interest, it is well within Abramovich’s range.

“We all know that the Abramovichs of this world are watching and that they are able to make investments like this because they have extraordinary fortunes,” said Valdano.

“No players have had such high prices, but we all know there are presidents who will reach for their wallets for a party like that,” he added.

Valdano also insisted the club is not seeking a replacement for coach Carlos Queiroz.

Queiroz, formerly assistant to Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, has been under pressure ever since his side lost the final of the Copa del Rey and were knocked out of the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

They are also struggling to retain the Primera Liga title and the Spanish media is taking it for granted that Queiroz will be leaving in the summer.

“We are not looking for a coach,” said Valdano.