Cassano on verge of Real switch
Monday 2 January, 2006
Antonio Cassano is just hours away from leaving Roma for Real Madrid, according to reports in Italy.
The Italian international should join the Spanish giants at some stage this week even if talks between both clubs are continuing.
Football Italia understands that Cassano has already agreed a five-year contract worth around £3m a season.
Now all that remains to be resolved is the manner in which the £3.5m transfer fee is delivered between both clubs.
The Giallorossi are keen to receive the sum immediately in an effort to net a much needed cash injection.
However, Real would rather pay an instalment in January and then make a final payment in June.
An agreement is expected to be reached though, with Real having already sent economic director Carlos de Albornoz Bonet and marketing chief Josè Angel Sanchez to Rome.
Cassano’s future has been in doubt for some time after talks regarding a contract extension stalled.
The former Bari starlet, who was signed for £20m in 2001, is only tied to the capital club until June 2006.
Cassano, who will be available for nothing in the summer, has been closely linked with Juventus and Inter in recent times.
The Bianconeri were expected to swoop at the start of this season, while the Milan giants have been associated given the imminent African Nations Cup absence of Obafemi Martins.
A move to the Spanish capital for the attacker will also be good news for Italy boss Marcello Lippi, who demanded that Cassano play regularly to be considered for World Cup selection.