Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz is on the lookout for a central defender for the start of the season in a fortnight's time, media reports said here Tuesday.

"We need a central defender - a Ferrari can't go without wheels," said Portuguese Queiroz after pinpointing the defence as his star-studded side's weak point following their 19-day tour of Asia.

The wheels came off Real's European campaign last season when they lost the Champions Cup semi-final to Juventus and the domestic league title was scant consolation.

And although they won all four of their matches on their Asian tour the back four looked uncomfortable at times against nimble, if less experienced opponents.

"When you buy a player for Real Madrid it's difficult as you can't just buy anyone. There may be several good candidates and if you count them up there may be ten.

"But you have to know if among those ten players there is one who has the technical and personal profile to play in this team," said Queiroz.

The former Manchester United number two, who is set to play a 4-4-2 formation this season, currently has four out and out defenders in Ivan Helguera, Francisco Pavon, Ruben and Julio Cesar - although Brazil's Cesar is as good as transfer listed and did not feature on the Asian trip.

Spanish media have identified Philippe Mexes of French side Auxerre, Roma's Walter Samuel, Christoph Metzelder of Borussia Dortmund and Mario Yepes of French outfit Nantes as the men Queiroz has in mind.

Real did have the talismanic Fernando Hierro until the end of last season but he has retired amid a storm over the lack of a new deal for the 35-year-old.

Last month Real were set to sign Argentina international Gabriel Milito from Independiente, but the move was scrapped over doubts about a knee problem.

Real's sporting director Jorge Valdano revealed meanwhile that the club did not have a bottomless pit of money to play with.

"It's indispensable that players leave before we recruit a central defender," he told reporters.