Real target Henry

Carlos Queiroz has admitted for the first time that he would like to sign Thierry Henry ahead of Ruud van Nistelrooy this summer.

Madrid's obsession with finding their next 'galactico' to follow Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and David Beckham has led to widespread reports that Henry is next on the list.

The Frenchman appeared in the city's main sports paper Marca last week confirming his commitment to Arsenal and denying he was going to Real. And Arsenal are also adamant that he is not for sale at any price.

But that stance appears to have had little impact in Spain. In an interview on Radio Marca last night, former Manchester United assistant manager Queiroz was asked specifically which of the three targets widely reported to be on Madrid's list, Van Nistelrooy, Henry and Francesco Totti, he would want next season.

He said: 'Right now, of the three, Totti is not a priority player for Real Madrid. My priority for this team, if I have to give it, would be for a choice between Van Nistelrooy and Henry.

'Both of them are maturing into great players. What is more, the Frenchman is absolutely at the very top of his game. He is in full control of all his skills at the moment and he is as impressive in his finishing of chances as he is in his general team play and creativity.