Real Madrid target Gerrard

Real Madrid football director Benito Floro has identified Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard as one of the Spanish club’s targets as they look to build for next season.

Gerrard, 25, almost left Anfield for Chelsea last summer before changing his mind and signing a four-year deal with the club he helped win the Champions League in May.

The England international has been targeted as a “priority” signing – as a possible long-term replacement for playmaker Zinedine Zidane – along with Inter Milan striker Adriano.

Floro told Spanish national radio station Cadena Ser: “I’ve recommended (to club president Fernando Martin) as priority signings a powerful central striker like Adriano, and a top midfielder in case Zinedine Zidane leaves.

“Gerrard is the football player that I included on the list, a player that the club has already wanted to sign in previous seasons.”

Zidane has a one-year option after this season and has said he will decide if he will return to Real after the World Cup this summer.