Re-elected Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has hinted he may put in a bid for Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira.
Perez was last night voted in for a second term, winning by a landslide. He secured 91.35 per cent of votes cast. Postal votes have yet to be counted, but Perez cannot be overtaken.
When asked if he would consider a move for 28-year-old France midfielder Vieira, Perez said: "I must repeat that my policy, as from being re-elected on Monday, is to try to sign the best player in the world in every position where we do not already have that.
"Patrick Vieira is, in my opinion, the best in the world in his position."
Perez had already suggested he would like to sign Everton and England striker Wayne Rooney. He also insisted former Manchester United star David Beckham would be given more time to prove himself a success at the Bernabeu.
"His behaviour and the returns we have had on him have been satisfactory, taking into account that this has been his first year at Real Madrid," said Perez.
"Beckham is an important player for us and he is an extraordinarily professional individual."
Elsewhere, France will today name their new coach from a shortlist of under-21 coach Raymond Domenech, former internationals Laurent Blanc and Jean Tigana and Glenn Hoddle.
Former manager Jacques Santini announced before Euro 2004 that he would leave at the end of the tournament to join Tottenham Hotspur.