Getafe awaiting call from Real

Getafe told Real Madrid yesterday their coach Bernd Schuster was keen to replace Fabio Capello at the Bernabeu and that they would not stand in his way if an approach was made to the club.

"Bernd told me on Wednesday morning that Real wanted him, that he was excited at the idea, and that he wanted to go," Getafe president Angel Torres said.

"I told him that the door was open and that we would reach an agreement in two minutes."

Real sacked Italian coach Capello on Thursday despite the fact he has recently won them their first Primera Liga title in four years.

Spanish media have consistently linked Schuster with the post, though Real sports director Predrag Mijatovic said any coach who wanted to join would have to free himself of any existing ties before a deal could be made.

The 47-year-old former Germany international, who led Getafe to the King's Cup final and to a place in the UEFA Cup next season, has a contract with Getafe until 2008.

Spanish media have reported that Michael Laudrup is favourite to succeed Schuster if he leaves.