Schuster has Real interest in Diego

BERLIN (AFP) — Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster revealed Sunday he is interested in signing Werder Bremen's Brazilian midfielder Diego, just days before Real and Bremen clash in the Champions League.

Schuster, 47, who took over as Real coach in July, has been closely monitoring the form of the 22-year-old and will get a close-up view of the attacking midfielder when Real host Bremen in Tuesday's Champions League group stage clash.

"Diego is a very interesting player, we have spoken to Bremen's management about him this summer, but it is doubtful he will come this season," Schuster told Sunday's edition of Bild newspaper.

"He is very creative and had a superb first season in the Bundesliga.

"South Americans normally need a lot of time to settle into European football, but he has done really well."

Diego joined Bremen from Portuguese side FC Porto last year and with the summer transfer window now closed the earliest he could join the Spanish giants would be January.

However since he will have already played for Bremen in the Champions League he would not then be allowed to play for Real in this season's competition.