MILAN - HERNAN Crespo is apparently interested in joining Real Madrid as a replacement for injured striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Crespo's agent Fernando Hidalgo had a meeting scheduled on Wednesday with Real Madrid sports director Predrag Mijatovic, the Gazzetta dello Sport reported.

Crespo's contract with Inter Milan expires after this season, and the 33-year-old Argentine forward was upset when he was left off Inter's Champions League roster.

However, Mijatovic is seeking a low-cost deal and Crespo would like a contract that lasts through next season, the Gazzetta reported.

Crespo has also played for Parma, Lazio, Chelsea and AC Milan in his career. He has only appeared in three Serie A matches for Inter this season, for a total of 89 minutes played and no goals. -- AP