Real hoping for speedy Lucio deal

The Champions League winners are looking for a replacement as Fernando Hierro is at the venerable stage of his career.

Yet with two of their other transfer targets, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Patrick Vieira seemingly unimpressed by the lure of Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

This has left Real smarting and they are determined to get Lucio, who has admitted a liking to try his hand with Barca.

Bayer had an impressive season and coach Klaus Topmuller's attack-minded system fits perfectly into the marauding Lucio's idea of defending.

With Aitor Karanka seemingly on his way out of Real, it would appear that the club are in need of defensive replacements quickly, but they will surely face competition from other sides, impressed by Lucio's performances.

At just 23, Lucio would appear to have many years ahead of him at the top level.

Real are looking to seal a deal before the World Cup finals start, but it would appear unlikely that this will happen.