Barcelona and Real Madrid are going head-to-head for Real Zaragoza midfielder Alberto Zapater.

Real want Zapater as a replacement for want-away Emerson, who is expected to join AC Milan next week. The Primera leaders are prepared to meet Zaragoza's £7 million asking price and hope to drive down the fee by including Ruben de la Red in their offer.

Meanwhile, Barca have held talks with Zapater's agent, Gines Carvajal. It's no secret that coach Frank Rijkaard is desperate to find a quality, ball-winning midfielder for next season.