Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon had Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and Manchester United wing ace Cristiano Ronaldo lined up for summer moves.

DiarioSport says Calderon had intermediaries speak with the agents of both Premiership stars, along with the Milito brothers, Gaby and Diego, Roma winger Amantino Mancini, Valencia striker David Villa and Gabriel Heinze midway through last season.

Calderon was eager to not rush his recruiting campaign for this season and had laid groundwork over six months out from the end of last term. However, everything collapsed as confusion over the status of coach Fabio Capello peaked in February. All contact with potential signings was ended as Calderon was forced to wait to make Bernd Schuster his coach before pressing forward with team rebuilding plans.