Manchester City and Tottenham look to have lost the race to sign Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra after it was reported the French international is on the verge of signing for Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea man has been heavily linked with a £15 million move to both Eastlands and White Hart Lane, however former Spurs boss Juande Ramos recently admitted his interest in signing the 23-year old.
In recent weeks, Pompey boss Tony Adams has failed to rule out a Diarra possibly leaving the club in January and it now looks certain that he will indeed leave Fratton Park come the new year. Since joining the club back in January of this year, Diarra has become an instant legend on the South Coast.
He played no small part in the side's successful FA Cup campaign last season, however injury has restricted Diarra to only a handful of appearances this campaign. It will be a shame to see Diarra leave England because during his time here he has proved what a cracking player he is. Personally, I am a huge fan of Diarra's and I think he he will prove a real hit at the Bernabeu.