River Plate trying to get Aimar, Ayala to return

River Plate president José Maria Aguilar is hopeful of coming to an agreement with Real Zaragoza that will see Pablo Aimar and Roberto Ayala return to El Monumental.

Zaragoza was relegated from the Primera Division following its last-day defeat to Mallorca at the weekend and could be forced to part company with a number of players if it is to keep on a even keel financially.

Aimar and Ayala are two of the highest earners at the club and would presumably be among the first to depart should a major clear-out insue.

Their potential availability has attracted the attention of Aguilar, who believes that the club may be able to come to some sort of arrangement with Zaragoza in order to bring the two ex-River players back to their homeland in time for the Apertura 2008.

The River president has made contact with agent Gustavo Mascardi, who represents both players, and although he seemed to rule out a permanent move for either of them, he is hopeful that some sort of loan deal with part payment of wages could be possible.

"I spoke with Mascardi to ask about Roberto and Pablo who are two players we have always wanted to return," he told reporters on Tuesday. "Their contracts would be almost impossible for us. We know that Zaragoza are going through a very difficult time, but we would like to make a proposal to them for something similar to a loan agreement."