Real Madrid are confident of landing Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra. AS says Real chiefs are convinced they'll beat Manchester City for the France international and will have the deal wrapped up inside the next 48 hours.
Real want Diarra as a replacement for knee injury victim Mahamadou Diarra.
The Spanish giants have already opened talks with Pompey over a fee for Diarra and are prepared to match City's £18 million bid. New Real coach Juande Ramos is well aware of Diarra's qualities and has given the transfer his thumbs up.