Real Zaragoza and Barca are locked in talks over Milito, whose Mum said today: "I would like that he played for Barca, it would be an important step in his career. They're a great club and I like the city, the fans and the team.

"Real Madrid? If it was up to me, Gaby would never play there. And less so with the present medical body."

Mrs Milito was referring to Gaby's failed move to Real almost four years ago when club doctors controversially insisted he couldn't pass a club medical.