Baldasano threatens to get rid of several Real players

MADRID, June 19 (Reuters) Real Madrid presidential candidate Arturo Baldasano has threatened a clear-out of several players including Brazil's Roberto Carlos if he wins the club's election on July 2.

''I am not going to interfere in the sphere of the sports director but as a fan I think we need to get rid of some players,'' Baldasano told a news conference today.

''From the defence Roberto Carlos, Ivan Helguera, Jonathan Woodgate and Francisco Pavon. From midfield Thomas Gravesen and Pablo Garcia, and up front Antonio Cassano.'' He added he would also like to speak to captain Raul, midfielder Guti and Brazil striker Ronaldo to check that they were still committed to the club.

Baldasano said he would share his thoughts with his sports director Vicente del Bosque, who will be supported in his role by former Germany international Uli Stielike.

Two weeks ago Baldasano announced that he had spoken to England's Sven-Goran Eriksson about being coach for next season.

Five candidates are standing in the election that was called when the board ousted president Fernando Martin just two months after he replaced Florentino Perez at the end of February.

REUTERS PDS BST0106