Real Lead Race For Diarra

Real Madrid are the first team to place a bid for Portsmouth's Lassana Diarra but there are many other top clubs sitting in the auction room.

The Spanish club's £20 million bid was accepted by Portsmouth and the 23 year old midfielder is set to leave the south coast club.

But Pompey's Premiership rivals Tottenham and Manchester City are also interested in Diarra who has had spells at both Chelsea and Arsenal.

The £20 million price tag may prove to be too steep for Spurs despite their desperate need for Diarra's tenacious abilities.

Diarra is dubbed the new Claude Makelele

On the other hand, Manchester City, who look set to spend big in January after their takeover will not be set back by Madrid's offer and could fire a bidding war for the Frenchman.

The lure of playing for Real Madrid, and immediate Champions League football, could sway Diarra's decision in favour of the La Liga champions and Portsmouth will naturally be reluctant to sell to a Premiership rival.

"When you talk about Real Madrid the other teams are no longer important, all the others take second place," said Diarra.