World Kick Off

Napoli were offered more than they bargained for when Real Madrid said that they would only discuss a move for Fabio Cannavaro and Antonio Cassano if Javier Saviola was included in any deal.

Los Merengues are keen to off-load the Argentinian striker after he proved to be a flop during his first season at the Bernabéu since moving from Barcelona on a free transfer last summer.

With a tally of only three goals and two completed games for Madrid, Saviola is now seen as surplus to requirements not least because of his annual salary of €5m.

While Napoli are keen to take Cannavaro back and try and persuade Cassano to join them, a deal could be pushed through if they consider taking the unexpected third party.

Cassano has flourished during his year on loan at Sampdoria and has been rewarded with a place in Italy's Euro 2008 squad, but Madrid have no intention of taking him back.

Saviola himself is not keen to leave Madrid, but has admitted that if it is made clear that he is no longer required then he will consider listening to other clubs.

After being left out of Argentina's recent squads by coach Alfio Basile, the striker now recognises that if he stays then he could miss out on the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa.

Madrid's sporting director, Pedja Mijatovic, would rather see Cassano go to Napoli rather than see him join Sampdoria as a stepping stone to then be sold on immediately to either Inter or Juventus.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com