Real Madrid president Florentino Perez says he will continue his policy of signing a world class footballer each year and is already in talks with a leading player he expects to bring to the club next season.
"This year we will again be trying to sign the best player in the world," Perez said today. "He has already been in contact with us."
Perez refused to name the player, but in response to a question from one journalist who suggested Real might look towards arch-rivals Barcelona he replied with a smile: "Don't worry it is not Ronaldinho."
Perez has singed some of games leading lights in his quest to create one of the most exciting line-ups in the history of club football. The team is littered with superstars, most notably Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and David Beckham.
The Spanish media have reported that Perez is once again looking to recruit an attacking player. England's Michael Owen, Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and French international Thierry Henry have all been suggested as possible targets.
Despite the widespread criticism of Real's imbalanced line-up and the team's weaknesses in defence, Perez ruled out a move for a new defender when the transfer market reopens next month.