Real Madrid are a step closer to landing Fiorentina fullback Juan Manuel Vargas.

The Peru international has been a target for Real GM Jorge Valdano since last August.

Vargas threw a strop this week after being hooked by Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli during their Coppa Italia defeat to Inter Milan. Prandelli reacted angrily to Vargas' blow-up, claiming the defender was out of line - and out of shape.

Real remain keen on the left-back and are preparing to go to €22 million for the defender, says Gazzetta dello Sport.