Roma’s Antonio Cassano could be on his way to Real Madrid in the January transfer window, according to reports in Italy.
The out-of-favour contract rebel makes his first start for the Giallorossi in two months against Strasbourg on Thursday night and Real will be watching how he performs with close interest.
Last week Real distanced themselves from any association with the 24-year-old but, since then, star striker Raul has injured himself and Cassano has entered the reckoning once more.
With his contract dispute unlikely to be resolved in the near future and formerly ‘interested’ Serie A clubs now going cold on the Bari-born forward, Roma will be willing to be rid of their enfant terrible before he leaves for nothing at the end of the season.
The Spanish giants, meanwhile, need a quality replacement for their club captain, who could be out for up to four months.
New rules also now permit players who have appeared in the UEFA Cup to play in the Champions League so, should Cassano return to his best, a deal could be imminent.
Juventus, Inter and even Fiorentina have previously been linked with the former Under-21 international.
Cassano is also looking for regular first team football in order to win a place in Marcello Lippi’s 2006 World Cup squad.