Real hope for rich pickings after match-fixing verdicts

MADRID, July 12 (Reuters) It is not only the Serie A clubs embroiled in the Italian match-fixing scandal who will be anxiously awaiting the verdict of their trial.

Real Madrid are embarking on yet another attempt to rebuild their squad and hope to pick up top quality recruits at bargain basement prices if Juventus are relegated from Serie A.

During Real's presidential election campaign, winning candidate Ramon Calderon said AC Milan midfielder Kaka, Chelsea winger Arjen Robben and Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas were his key transfer targets.

However, resistance from these players' clubs and the arrival of Juve boss Fabio Capello at the Bernabeu has led Real to cast their net into the troubled waters at Juventus.

Real are eyeing a trio of the Italian champions' most experienced players in an attempt to revive their fortunes after three trophyless seasons.

Italy's World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, fellow defender Gianluca Zambrotta and Brazilian midfielder Emerson now top Real's target list.

Capello believes the key to Real's revival will be strengthening their much-maligned defence.

''The problems that Real have had in the last few years have always stemmed from the back,'' he told Spanish sports daily AS on Wednesday.

CANNAVARO Real's new sporting director Predrag Mijatovic has made no secret of his desire to make Cannavaro the foundation stone of a new-look back four.

''Cannavaro played a decisive role in Juventus's two 'scudettos' and in Italy winning the World Cup,'' he said yesterday.

''Looking at what he has achieved in the last two seasons I would want him here until he was 40. Things are at quite an advanced stage and we are going to do all we can to bring him here. There will be some news in the next few days.'' Real are unlikely to have it all their own way because a host of Europe's top clubs are circling Serie A in the hope of rich pickings after the sports tribunal's verdicts.

These are expected later this week and AC Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio also face relegation.

Barcelona are reported to be trying to sign Juve's French defender Lilian Thuram and Zambrotta while Chelsea and Manchester United are unlikely to remain on the sidelines if talent becomes available.

Real have been linked with more than 30 players since the end of the World Cup, including France's live-wire midfielder Franck Ribery, Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo and Italy striker Luca Toni.

With several of the Real squad likely to be shown the door to make way for the new recuits, it promises to be a busy few weeks at the Bernabeu.

REUTERS DH ND16552