Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is serious about trumping Barcelona for Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.

The Sunday Times says while Fabregas has stated that he will only leave English football to return to Barcelona - his childhood club - Real Madrid are close to making an alternative offer.

New manager Mourinho does not want his pursuit of a new central midfielder to drag on into pre-season and remains unsure of Steven Gerrard's readiness to leave Liverpool.

If the England captain takes too long to decide, Mourinho will ask Madrid to turn their attentions to Fabregas.