Diego: Real target
Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster has revealed that the club considered signing Werder Bremen star Diego this summer.
Speaking ahead of Real's UEFA Champions League clash with Werder on Tuesday, Schuster disclosed he is a big admirer of the Brazilian playmaker.
Diego enjoyed a fine season with Bremen last season and Schuster admitted they approached Bremen about signing him earlier this summer.
"Diego is a very interesting player, we have spoken to Bremen's management about him this summer, but it is doubtful he will come this season," Schuster told Bild.
"He is very creative and had a superb first season in the Bundesliga.
"South Americans normally need a lot of time to settle into European football, but he has done really well."
Meanwhile, Schuster has confirmed Ruud van Nistelrooy will be fit for the game against Bremen.
The Dutchman missed Saturday's 3-1 win over Almeria after returning from international duty with a few knocks, but Schuster says the former Manchester United man will be back in time for Tuesday's opening Champions League tie.
"Van Nistelrooy came back with a few minor problems and we didn't want to take a chance a chance on him," added Schuster.
"It has worked out well for Ruud because he will be in perfect shape for Tuesday.
Schuster refused to be drawn on whether or not Arjen Robben could make his debut against Bremen.
The summer signing from Chelsea is close to fitness after missing the start of the season, but Schuster refused to say if Robben would be in the squad to tackle Bremen.
"Robben is gradually getting his match fitness and working with the ball but we - that is the medical team, the player and myself - have to decide when is best for him to play," continued Schuster.
"Will he play against Bremen? It is too soon to say."

Atl. Madrid 2-3 R. Madrid - highlights
La Liga goals - week ten
Forlan praises new change
La Liga goals - Week eight
Osasuna 1-1 Barcelona - Highlights
La Liga goals - Week seven
Valencia boss chasing pack
Barcelona 6-1 Zaragoza - Highlights
| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Saturday 28th November | |
| Spanish Primera Liga | |
| 17:00 | Sporting Gijon vs Villarreal |
| 19:00 | Valencia vs Mallorca |
| 21:00 | Sevilla vs Malaga |
| Sunday 29th November | |
| Spanish Primera Liga | |
| 16:00 | Almeria vs Athletic Bilbao |
| 16:00 | Getafe vs Xerez |
| 16:00 | Racing Santander vs Deportivo La Coruna |
| 16:00 | Real Zaragoza vs Osasuna |
| 16:00 | Valladolid vs Tenerife |
| 18:00 | Barcelona vs Real Madrid |
| 20:00 | Atletico Madrid vs Espanyol |
| Sunday 6th December | |
| Spanish Primera Liga | |
| 16:00 | Athletic Bilbao vs Valencia |
| 16:00 | Deportivo La Coruna vs Barcelona |
| 16:00 | Espanyol vs Racing Santander |
| 16:00 | Malaga vs Osasuna |
| 16:00 | Mallorca vs Real Zaragoza |
| 16:00 | Real Madrid vs Almeria |
| 16:00 | Sevilla vs Valladolid |
| 16:00 | Tenerife vs Sporting Gijon |
| 16:00 | Villarreal vs Getafe |
| 16:00 | Xerez vs Atletico Madrid |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Sunday 22nd November | |
| Spanish Primera Liga | |
| Villarreal 3 - 1 Valladolid | |
| Xerez 0 - 0 Sporting Gijon | |
| Mallorca 3 - 1 Almeria | |
| Espanyol 0 - 2 Getafe | |
| Osasuna 1 - 3 Valencia | |
| Malaga 1 - 1 Real Zaragoza | |
| Saturday 21st November | |
| Spanish Primera Liga | |
| Tenerife 1 - 2 Sevilla | |
| Deportivo La Coruna 2 - 1 Atletico Madrid | |
| Real Madrid 1 - 0 Racing Santander | |
| Athletic Bilbao 1 - 1 Barcelona | |
| Sunday 8th November | |
| Spanish Primera Liga | |
| Valladolid 0 - 0 Xerez | |
| Sporting Gijon 1 - 0 Espanyol | |
| Racing Santander 0 - 2 Athletic Bilbao | |
| Almeria 2 - 0 Osasuna | |
| Sevilla 3 - 2 Villarreal | |
| Valencia 3 - 1 Real Zaragoza | |
| Saturday 7th November | |
| Spanish Primera Liga | |
| Tenerife 2 - 2 Malaga | |
| Getafe 0 - 2 Deportivo La Coruna | |
| Atletico Madrid 2 - 3 Real Madrid | |
| Barcelona 4 - 2 Mallorca | |
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Real Madrid | 11 | 28 |
| 2 | Barcelona | 11 | 27 |
| 3 | Sevilla | 11 | 25 |
| 4 | Valencia | 11 | 24 |
| 5 | Deportivo La Coruna | 11 | 22 |
| 6 | Real Mallorca | 11 | 20 |
| 7 | Sporting Gijon | 11 | 17 |
| 8 | Athletic Bilbao | 11 | 17 |
| 9 | Getafe | 11 | 15 |
| 10 | Espanyol | 11 | 13 |
| 11 | Villarreal | 11 | 12 |
| 12 | Osasuna | 11 | 12 |
| 13 | Almeria | 11 | 12 |
| 14 | Real Zaragoza | 11 | 12 |
| 15 | Real Valladolid | 11 | 10 |
| 16 | Tenerife | 11 | 10 |
| 17 | Racing Santander | 11 | 7 |
| 18 | Atletico Madrid | 11 | 7 |
| 19 | Xerez | 11 | 7 |
| 20 | Malaga | 11 | 6 |
Villa to Real Madrid? Robinho to Barcelona? Xavi to Man City? Guillem has all the latest from Spain...
Diego Forlan told Revista he wants new Atletico coach Quique Sanchez Flores to put him back up front.
Guillem Balague sympathises with Juan Mandia and looks at Racing's coaching candidates...
Valencia moved back into the Primera Liga's top four on Sunday with a convincing victory on their travels.
Barcelona have told Real Zaragoza that there is no chance of them re-signing Gabriel Milito.
Lionel Messi is a major injury worry for Barcelona ahead of their games with Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
Wigan Athletic target Raul Tamudo has admitted that things for him at Espanyol are not easy.
Real Madrid have moved to the top of the table after beating Racing while Barcelona were held at Athletic Bilbao.