Real Madrid are set to accept defeat in their bid to sign Hernan Crespo.

The Bernabeu club are desperate to sign a new striker following the injury to Ruud van Nistelrooy, which has ruled the Dutch international out of for the rest of the season.

Real were keen to take Crespo from Inter Milan on loan for six months with the view to a permanent move, but the Argentine is looking for a more secure deal.

And Los Blancos president Ramon Calderon told Radio Marca: “I do not believe that he will come.”