Tavano dreaming of Real
Empoli striker Francesco Tavano is flying high after it was revealed that Real Madrid are monitoring his progress.
"To know that you are being followed by Real Madrid is great," said the 26-year-old, who has played in just 60 Serie A matches in his career to date.
"I’d not heard about the link before but I do hope that my dream can be realised, just like Antonio Cassano. It would be great to join him over there."
However, Empoli have moved quickly to quash the speculation. "Tavano will not be leaving here until the end of the season," said director general Pino Vitale.
Tavano, scorer of nine top-flight goals so far this term, was sensationally associated with the European giants last night.
FIFA agent Ernesto Bronzetti, who takes care of Real’s transfer market moves, revealed that Tavano and Roma’s Daniele De Rossi are liked by the Bernabeu outfit.
"Tavano is a world class player," he noted. "The club likes him and we are following his progress carefully.
"We also like De Rossi. We did think about him to strengthen the midfield as former technical director Arrigo Sacchi considered him as one of Italian football’s best talents."
Real’s spending in Italy may not end there either as they are also believed to be watching Manuel Pasqual.
The left-back has been in sensational form for Fiorentina since his switch from little Arezzo in the summer.