Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster hopes to secure the services of Arsenal's Alexander Hleb after overcoming the surprise of his availability.
Midfielder Hleb is expected to leave The Emirates in the summer after failing to settle into life in the capital since moving to north London from Stuttgart in 2005.
Serie A side Internazionale were thought to be leading the race for Hleb's signature, however Real boss Schuster has confirmed the club's intention to land the Belarusian - who has struck three goals last season.
"There are a couple of positions that we can improve and that needs to be strengthened to have the necessary balance," Schuster told AS.
"Over the past two months we have had a plan and we know what we want, but now Hleb has been added.
"We did not know he could leave Arsenal but in recent days it has been more positive. We were surprised that he might leave there."
Surprised Schuster to move for Hleb
by RivalsDM
Updated: May 27, 2008, 7:21 AM EST 109 comments
add this RSS blog email printMidfielder Hleb is expected to leave The Emirates in the summer after failing to settle into life in the capital since moving to north London from Stuttgart in 2005.
Serie A side Internazionale were thought to be leading the race for Hleb's signature, however Real boss Schuster has confirmed the club's intention to land the Belarusian - who has struck three goals last season.
"There are a couple of positions that we can improve and that needs to be strengthened to have the necessary balance," Schuster told AS.
"Over the past two months we have had a plan and we know what we want, but now Hleb has been added.
"We did not know he could leave Arsenal but in recent days it has been more positive. We were surprised that he might leave there."