Real have not given up on Kaka just yet, says Schuster

MADRID, July 29 (Reuters) Real Madrid have not given up hope of landing a high-profile player such as Kaka to bolster their squad for next season, new coach Bernd Schuster has said.

''A few months ago Real were after (Manchester United's) Cristiano Ronaldo, then after (AC MIlan's) Kaka and offered 80 million euros for him. This option is still there,'' Schuster told German television station ZDF.

''We've got a big fat suitcase full of cash, and there will definitely be a player or two to come. But it's difficult to lure top players away from their clubs,'' he said yesterday.

The Spanish champions have already brought in four players to strengthen the side ahead of next season, spending 30 million euros to land centre-back Pepe from Porto.

But the other three, Germany defender Christoph Metzelder, Poland goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek and Argentina striker Javier Saviola, have all arrived as free agents and none have filled Real's demanding fans with excitement for next year.

Kaka has been a target for the Madrid club since president Ramon Calderon was elected in July 2006 when he promised to sign the Brazilian playmaker.

Last month their drive to secure Kaka appeared to have run into a dead end as the player committed himself to Milan, where he has a contract until 2011. Kaka said the door was closed for a move unless the Italian club chose to sell him.

Another target, Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, has also ruled himself out of a move to the Spanish capital.

However, Real believe they are close to landing Chelsea's Dutch winger Arjen Robben. They are reported to have tabled a 31 million euros bid, although the Premier League side have resolutely refused to accept their offer so far.

Spanish media have reported tht Robben and Feyenoord fullback Royston Drenthe are set to join Real next week.

REUTERS TB RN1946