Real Madrid must cough up big if they're to sign Inter Milan striker Hernan Crespo.

Crespo has emerged as a likely replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has been ruled out for the season with knee injury.

Argentina international Crespo, 33, is off contract in June, but Real want him in January - and Inter are demanding a massive £8 million to make the deal happen.

Inter boss Jose Mourinho is reluctant to lose Crespo as he already is planning to offload Adriano when the winter market opens.