Real chief eyes Vieira swoop

Re-elected Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has hinted he may be ready to put in a bid for Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira.

Perez was last night voted in for a second term, winning by a landslide.

He secured 91.35% of votes cast at the ballot boxes. Postal votes have yet to be counted, but Perez cannot be overtaken.

When asked if he would now consider a move for 28-year-old France midfielder Vieira, Perez said: “I must repeat that my policy, as from being re-elected on Monday, is to try to sign the best player in the world in every position where we do not already have that. Patrick Vieira is, in my opinion, the best in the world in his position”.

Perez had already suggested he would like to sign Everton and England striker Wayne Rooney.

He also insisted former Manchester United star David Beckham would be given more time to prove himself a success at the Bernabeu.

“His behaviour and the returns we have had on him have been satisfactory, taking into account that this has been his first year at Real Madrid,” said Perez.

“Beckham is an important player for us and he is an extraordinarily professional individual.”