Real to unveil Schuster as new coach next week

Real Madrid expect to confirm Bernd Schuster as their coach next week and then unveil several new signings, club president Ramon Calderon said yesterday.

"The coach will be sorted out next week and we will also make two or three signings as well," Calderon told radio station Onda Madrid.

Getafe coach Schuster has been linked with the Real job since the turn of the year and is the strong favourite to take over from Fabio Capello who was sacked last month after leading the club to their first league title in four years.

The recruitment of the German hit problems after Getafe president Angel Torres refused to release him from his contract unless he received a courtesy call from Calderon or the compensation fee stipulated in his present deal.

One of the new players certain to be presented by Real next week is German centre-back Christoph Metzelder who joins the club after finishing his contract with Borussia Dortmund. Former Barcelona striker Javier Saviola, Roma defender Cristian Chivu, Chelsea winger Arjen Robben and Lyon midfielder Florent Malouda were among the other potential signings mentioned by Calderon.

The Real chief reiterated the club's desire to sign Milan playmaker Kaka despite the fact that the Serie A side have said repeatedly that the Brazilian is not for sale.

"We've got a problem because Milan have taken a strong line on him but we have to see if he really wants to come and is prepared to tell his club president that he wants a change."

Calderon said the club now wanted Jose Antonio Reyes to remain at the Bernabeu despite earlier indications that they would allow him to return to Arsenal at the end of his season-long loan deal.

Reyes scored two goals in the 3-1 victory over Real Mallorca in the final game of the season that secured Real the league title.