Real Madrid are raiding Manchester United for highly-rated fitness coach Walter Di Salvo.

Radio Marca says Real have lured the Italian, rated among the best in the world in his field, to Spain.

It's a big setback for United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who was counting on Di Salvo to work closely with young signings Nani and Anderson to prepare them for the hurly-burly of the Premiership next season.

Di Salvo has been credited with building up the frame of Cristiano Ronaldo following his arrival from Sporting Lisbon over three years ago.