Kaka bid still there says Schuster

MADRID, Spain (Reuters) -- Real Madrid have not given up hope of landing a high-profile player such as Kaka to bolster their squad for next season, new coach Bernd Schuster has said.

"A few months ago Real were after (Manchester United's) Cristiano Ronaldo, then after (AC MIlan's) Kaka and offered 80 million euros ($109.2 million) for him. This option is still there," Schuster told German television station ZDF.

"We've got a big fat suitcase full of cash, and there will definitely be a player or two to come. But it's difficult to lure top players away from their clubs," he said on Saturday.

The Spanish champions have already brought in four players to strengthen the side ahead of next season, spending 30 million euros to land center-back Pepe from Porto.

But the other three, Germany defender Christoph Metzelder, Poland goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek and Argentina striker Javier Saviola, have all arrived as free agents and none have filled Real's demanding fans with excitement for next year.

Kaka has been a target for the Madrid club since president Ramon Calderon was elected in July 2006 when he promised to sign the Brazilian playmaker.

Last month their drive to secure Kaka appeared to have run into a dead end as the player committed himself to Milan, where he has a contract until 2011. Kaka said the door was closed for a move unless the Italian club chose to sell him.

Another target, Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, has also ruled himself out of a move to Madrid.

However, Real believe they are close to landing Chelsea's Dutch winger Arjen Robben. They are reported to have tabled a 31 million euros bid, although the Premier League side have resolutely refused to accept their offer so far.

Spanish media have reported that Robben and Feyenoord fullback Royston Drenthe are set to join Real next week

Uruguay striker Diego Forlan needed only 11 minutes to score on his Atletico Madrid debut to earn a 1-0 Intertoto Cup win over Gloria Bistrita and put them into the UEFA Cup second qualifying round.

Atletico progressed on away goals after drawing 2-2 on aggregate following their defeat in the first leg in Romania. "I only had 20 minutes preparation playing with the rest of the squad (after the Copa America) but the coach put me in and all went well," Forlan told reporters.

The 28-year-old was bought from Villarreal for 21 million euros ($28.67 million) to replace Spain forward Fernando Torres, who has joined Liverpool.

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has sought to play down expectations that the "Fantastic Four" of Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and new signing Thierry Henry will sweep all before them next season.

"On paper we have a great team but we have to prove it on the pitch. Everything starts with hard work and only after that does talent comes into play," Rijkaard said in an interview with sports daily Marca on Sunday.

"The important things are work, humility and sacrifice."

Barca just missed out on their third successive Primera Liga title last season, finishing level on points with arch-rivals Real Madrid but second due to an inferior head-to head record.

They have moved swiftly to reinforce for next season splashing 65 million euros on Henry, Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure, France left-back Eric Abidal and Argentina centre-back Gabriel Milito.

But the Dutchman said he would not be pushed into fielding Eto'o, Ronaldinho, Messi and Henry at the same time, as many Barca fans are hoping.

"The pressure doesn't bother me. All fans want to see great players on the pitch but it is up to me to decide. I think they can all play together but it depends on the balance of the team," Rijkaard said.

"The season is very long. Everyone will be able to participate and will have their opportunities."

Last season's failure to win any major silverware was in part put down to dressing room rifts among big-name players, along with complacency and a general lack of commitment.

But Rijkaard believed the new recruits would help refresh the squad instead of causing further headaches.

"The signings bring new hope and a change in the squad dynamics where everyone wants to prove their quality and to participate," he said.

Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas last week said the problems facing Barca were similar to those that led to the downfall of Real's "Galactico" era under president Florentino Perez.

But Rijkaard added: "I would like to thank Real for this message. It would be stupid of us to allow ourselves to slip into a similar dynamic. I think we know what we are doing". E-mail to a friend

Copyright 2007 Reuters. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.