Real Madrid keen on Valencia

Spanish giants Real Madrid are keen to sign Ecuadorean international wing Luis Antonio Valencia, a newspaper reported on Sunday.

The 23-year-old Wigan Athletic star has become Real's preferred target after they dropped their interest in Aston Villa's Ashley Young and having pulled out of a deal for Liverpool's Jermaine Pennant because of his wage demands.

Valencia – scorer of three goals in 20 matches this term – would cost Real 17.5million euros and they could face stiff competition for the former Villarreal player from several of Wigan's Premier League rivals.

Real – who are fifth in the title race some 12 points adrift of Barcelona – are in desperate need of reinforcements to their squad after several key players such as Ruud van Nistelrooy and Malian midfielder Mahamadou Diarra suffered season ending injuries.

They have already signed French international midfielder Lassana Diarra from FA Cup holders Portsmouth for 20million euros.