Real Madrid have hopes of Cannavaro transfer

Real Madrid believe star Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro could join them next summer.

The Naples-born defender has spent the last six years at Parma AC and won two UEFA Cups with the club.

He is an essential part of the Italian national team and was part of their famous 'bunker' defence at Euro 200 that almost carried them to the championship.,

Parma have had repeated interest from clubs for Cannavaro over the years but do not want to sell him to an Italian rival even though he would become the world's most expensive defender if any club can match Parma's £21 million valuation of the centre back.

Cannavaro is an exceptional man marker and Real could even offer Claude Makalele and Flavio Conceicao to Parma this month to try and push through a deal but a move in the summer is more likely.

The defender has also been watched by Manchester United and would be interested in a move abroad.