Real Madrid football director Benito Floro has identified Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard as one of the Spanish club's targets as they look to build for next season.

Gerrard (25) almost left Anfield for Chelsea last summer before changing his mind and signing a four-year deal with the club he helped win the Champions League in May.

The England international has been targeted as a "priority" signing - as a possible long-term replacement for playmaker Zinedine Zidane - along with Inter Milan striker Adriano.

Floro told Spanish radio: "I've recommended (to club president Fernando Martin) as priority signings a powerful central striker like Adriano, and a top midfielder in case Zinedine Zidane leaves.

"Gerrard is the football player that I included on the list, a player that the club has already wanted to sign in previous seasons."

Zidane has a one-year option after this season and has said he will decide if he will return to Real after the World Cup this summer.

Rio Ferdinand, meanwhile, has total trust in manageer Alex Ferguson to bring in the midfield reinforcements that will turn Manchester United into champions again.

A host of names have been mentioned, ranging from Lyon's Mahamadou Diarra to Bolton schemer Kevin Nolan.

But, whoever it is, Ferdinand is confident when he returns from World Cup duty with England, his manager will have brought in the right man.

"We all trust the manager and his judgement in players," said Ferdinand. "The players are like the fans. We are all eagerly waiting to see who he brings in this summer.

"It is down to the manager who he decides to bring in but whoever it is, I would like to think it will complete the team."

Transition phase is not a phrase usually associated with a club of United's stature. But, Ferdinand agrees with his manager's assessment the current youthful squad is a work in progress.

"There are young players coming through, learning and becoming accustomed to the expectations at the club, and the consistency of performances and results that are required," said the England star.

"But I think we are getting the combination right at the moment. If the manager can keep the current squad together and add to what we have already, then the future looks really promising for us."  PA