MACCA EXPRESSES CHELSEA DESIRE
The former Liverpool playmaker's patience with his situation at the Bernabeu is thought to have run out after he was left out of the squad for Friday's European Super Cup tie with Galatasaray.
Real official Ernesto Bronchetti admitted they had discussed the English international's situation and said "the player is very interested in a move to Chelsea."
The most pressing need for Real at present is a striker after Fernando Morientes was ruled out for the first two months of the season earlier this week and they have been linked with Marcelo Salas.
Bronchetti dismissed the Salas link saying he would be too expensive, after Real's massive outlay already this summer, but some reports in Spain suggest a link with Flo in a part-exchange deal could be more of a possibility.
"Talk of signing Salas is crazy because he is earning £2.1 million a year at Lazio," Bronchetti said. "He will want £3.2 million from Lazio so the total fee will be £20 million and that is madness."
Flo is reported to also cost in the region of £20 million but a swap deal for McManaman would mean the Madrid giants paying just over half this amount.
Talk of a move for Flo seems premature though as Real coach Vicente del Bosque has said he wants to wait to see how star striker Raul links up with Pedro Munitis and Guti before considering bringing another striker to the club.
Talking in a press conference before the Super Cup game, Del Bosque went on to praise the attitude shown by McManaman and said he was glad Kevin Keegan had called him into the England squad.
"He has only been at the club a year but we consider that it is in the interest of the club that he leaves Real Madrid.
"We have spoken clearly with him and with his representative and they know the opinion the club.
"His behaviour has been exquisite. I am glad that Keegan has chosen him for England."
