Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi is back in the radar of Real Madrid.

AS says Real president Florentino Perez wanted to sign the Italy international during his first reign in charge - and still wants the midfielder now.

Real, under former president Ramon Calderon, sounded out Roma about De Rossi last year, but was scared off by his €40 million asking price.

Florentino's new interest is expected to see both Mahamadou Diarra and Fernando Gago shown the door at Real in June - if not sooner this month.