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."

La Liga goals - Week eight
Osasuna 1-1 Barcelona - Highlights
La Liga goals - Week seven
Valencia boss chasing pack
Barcelona 6-1 Zaragoza - Highlights
La Liga goals - Week six
Real Madrid 4-2 Valladolid - Highlights
Valencia 0-0 Barcelona - Highlights
| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Sunday 22nd November | |
| Spanish Primera Liga | |
| 16:00 | Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona |
| 16:00 | Deportivo La Coruna vs Atletico Madrid |
| 16:00 | Espanyol vs Getafe |
| 16:00 | Malaga vs Real Zaragoza |
| 16:00 | Mallorca vs Almeria |
| 16:00 | Osasuna vs Valencia |
| 16:00 | Real Madrid vs Racing Santander |
| 16:00 | Tenerife vs Sevilla |
| 16:00 | Villarreal vs Valladolid |
| 16:00 | Xerez vs Sporting Gijon |
| Sunday 29th November | |
| Spanish Primera Liga | |
| 16:00 | Almeria vs Athletic Bilbao |
| 16:00 | Atletico Madrid vs Espanyol |
| 16:00 | Barcelona vs Real Madrid |
| 16:00 | Getafe vs Xerez |
| 16:00 | Racing Santander vs Deportivo La Coruna |
| 16:00 | Real Zaragoza vs Osasuna |
| 16:00 | Sevilla vs Malaga |
| 16:00 | Sporting Gijon vs Villarreal |
| 16:00 | Valencia vs Mallorca |
| 16:00 | Valladolid vs Tenerife |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Sunday 8th November | |
| Spanish Primera Liga | |
| Sevilla 3 - 2 Villarreal | |
| Valencia 3 - 1 Real Zaragoza | |
| Almeria 2 - 0 Osasuna | |
| Racing Santander 0 - 2 Athletic Bilbao | |
| Sporting Gijon 1 - 0 Espanyol | |
| Valladolid 0 - 0 Xerez | |
| Saturday 7th November | |
| Spanish Primera Liga | |
| Atletico Madrid 2 - 3 Real Madrid | |
| Barcelona 4 - 2 Mallorca | |
| Getafe 0 - 2 Deportivo La Coruna | |
| Tenerife 2 - 2 Malaga | |
| Sunday 1st November | |
| Spanish Primera Liga | |
| Deportivo La Coruna 1 - 1 Sporting Gijon | |
| Malaga 0 - 1 Valencia | |
| Real Zaragoza 2 - 1 Almeria | |
| Mallorca 1 - 0 Racing Santander | |
| Espanyol 1 - 1 Valladolid | |
| Villarreal 5 - 0 Tenerife | |
| Saturday 31st October | |
| Spanish Primera Liga | |
| Athletic Bilbao 1 - 0 Atletico Madrid | |
| Osasuna 1 - 1 Barcelona | |
| Xerez 0 - 2 Sevilla | |
| Real Madrid 2 - 0 Getafe | |
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barcelona | 10 | 26 |
| 2 | Real Madrid | 10 | 25 |
| 3 | Sevilla | 9 | 19 |
| 4 | Deportivo La Coruna | 10 | 19 |
| 5 | Valencia | 9 | 18 |
| 6 | Real Mallorca | 10 | 17 |
| 7 | Sporting Gijon | 9 | 13 |
| 8 | Espanyol | 9 | 13 |
| 9 | Athletic Bilbao | 9 | 13 |
| 10 | Osasuna | 9 | 12 |
| 11 | Getafe | 10 | 12 |
| 12 | Real Zaragoza | 9 | 11 |
| 13 | Tenerife | 10 | 10 |
| 14 | Villarreal | 9 | 9 |
| 15 | Real Valladolid | 9 | 9 |
| 16 | Almeria | 9 | 9 |
| 17 | Racing Santander | 9 | 7 |
| 18 | Atletico Madrid | 10 | 7 |
| 19 | Malaga | 10 | 5 |
| 20 | Xerez | 9 | 5 |
Sunderland fan Lucinda Gittins was strutting her stuff in the Soccer AM studios this week.
Guillem Balague wonders if Atletico Madrid's new coach can mastermind a shock win over Real.
Quique Sanchez Flores told Revista he is relishing the job on his hands at Atletico Madrid.
Sevilla closed on top spot with a win over Villarreal whilst Valencia kept up the chase against Real Zaragoza.
Barcelona remain unbeaten and continue to lead the way, but Real Madrid are hot on their heels.
Robinho's father has revealed that the Manchester City attacker's future is far from certain.
Real Madrid have refused Portugal permission to call-up Cristiano Ronaldo for the games against Bosnia.
Sergio Aguero believes Atletico are more than capable of winning the Madrid derby on Saturday.