Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic was present at Roma's Champions League quarter-final defeat to Manchester United on Tuesday, fuelling rumours the Spanish giants are keen on Aquilani.

And Aquilani's agent Franco Zavagli has confirmed the two clubs have discussed the midfielder's future.

"I know that the two clubs have talked about the Italian midfielder even though Pedja Mijatovic has not talked to me," he told Radio Marca.

"He would love to play for Real Madrid."

Aquilani's contract at Roma runs until in July 2009, but the 23-year-old is believed to be unhappy at the salary cap at the club which sees him earning less than one million euros a year.