Real Madrid hope to close an agreement with Gonzalo Higuain over a new contract this week.

AS says Real have been in negotiations with the striker's minders for some months about a new deal - and the coming days could prove decisive.

Having seen off the competition of summer arrival Karim Benzema, Higuain now expects a pay-hike to match the Frenchman's salary.

Real announced last week a new deal for Higuain's teammate Marcelo.