Real move for Ayala

Real Madrid have entered the race to sign unsettled Valencia defender Roberto Ayala.

Ayala is currently in a dispute with Valencia over his future and he has not figured for them this season.

The Argentine international is keen to leave La Mestalla, but Valencia insist they will only sell the talented defender if the deal is right for them.

Valencia blocked a move to Villarreal earlier this month, while a number of Premiership clubs have also been linked with Ayala.

Real could now be ready to offer Ayala a route out of La Mestalla as they search for a new central defender.

Fabio Capello is believed to have enquired about Roma's Cristian Chivu and Juventus' Jonathan Zebina, but without much success.

Real officials are expected to meet with Ayala's agent on Wednesday, but the Argentine's representative Gustavo Mascardi is not hopeful of a deal.

"If Valencia won't allow him to join Villarreal, I doubt very much whether they'll allow him to join Real Madrid," Mascardi told Marca.