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Ancelotti admits Madrid interest in Lucas Silva
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has performed
an about-turn and admitted the European
champions are interested in signing Cruzeiro
midfielder Lucas Silva.
Ancelotti last week insisted the Brazil Under-21
midfielder was not on his wishlist and explained
he had no need to strengthen his squad in the
January transfer window.
However, speaking on Monday ahead of Madrid’s
Champions League clash with Ludogorets, the
Italian had changed his tune.
He said: “We have an interest in signing Lucas
Silva but he is not the only one we are scouting.
After the Club World Cup we will decide if we have
to make some signings in January.”
Silva has already spoken of his desire to move to
the Santiago Bernabeu, with the Cruzeiro
president Gilvan de Pinho Tavares willing to sell if
the club’s €15 million valuation is met.
The need to sign another midfielder lessened
earlier Monday when it was announced James
Rodriguez had only suffered a grade one calf
strain and is facing just a short spell on the
sidelines.
He will miss the start of the Club World Cup, with
Madrid not due to enter until the semi-finals, but
he could be back for the title game should Madrid
progress.
“There is a small chance James could play in the
final,” added Ancelotti. “But we can fix the injury
problems in midfield pretty well.
“Jese will get some minutes tomorrow but not
from the beginning. In early 2015 he will be at
100%. Also [Asier] Illarramendi is getting used to
his position in midfield very well.”
Saturday’s 3-0 defeat of Celta Vigo saw Cristiano
Ronaldo notch his 23rd hat-trick in La Liga –
breaking the record in the Spanish top flight.
The Portuguese star is expected to play against
Ludogorets despite there being nothing riding on
the game for a Madrid side who have already
qualified for the knockout stage.
Ancelotti said: “Ronaldo is doing what no-one
thinks is possible. He is doing fantastic,
incredible...
“I do not think he will rest tomorrow.”
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