Real set off on tour

Real Madrid embark on an exhausting two-week promotional tour of the U.S. and Asia on Thursday with a stack of unfinished business to conclude before the Spanish season begins next month.

Leading players Luis Figo, Guti and Michael Owen will all be on board the plane bound for the first stop in Chicago, but all three remain unclear about their prospects of staying at the Bernabeu.

Portugal midfielder Figo was expected to drop out of the tour in order to sign for either Inter Milan or Liverpool but Real are reported to be holding out for an improved offer for the 32-year-old who still has a year to run on his contract.

The former World and European Player of the Year could find himself jetting back to Europe midway through the tour if the talks are finally concluded.

Guti, who has grown increasingly weary of being passed over in favour of new recruits from abroad, finally looks to be serious about his threat to leave the club he joined as a boy.

He is still waiting for a concrete offer from suitors Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Atletico Madrid or Sevilla.

Owen, on the other hand, has made it clear on numerous occasions that he wants to stay at Real.

Real, however, appear to be spending more energy on trying to prise Brazilian youngster Robinho from Santos than reassuring the England striker he still features in their long-term plans.

If Robinho does make the move to Spain it could trigger Owen's return to the Premier League as the former Liverpool player is anxious to get regular games with the World Cup looming at the end of the season.

Three members of the first-team squad will, however, remain in Madrid while their colleagues travel.

TREATMENT

Defenders Walter Samuel and Jonathan Woodgate are receiving treatment on their respective injuries, while reserve striker Javier Portillo is expected to join Malaga.

Samuel, who joined Real from AS Roma at the start of last season, was thought to be on his way out but the club appears to have had second thoughts given the doubts over Woodgate's fitness after spending 15 months on the sidelines.

Club president Florentino Perez moved to try and quash rumours of confusion and lack of motivation amongst players whose future is in the balance by holding a meeting with the whole squad prior to their departure.

Captain Raul threw his weight behind Perez on Wednesday.

"We have suffered a lot during the last two seasons," he said. "We know that we have to be up there fighting for every trophy and we will only be successful if we combine hard work and sacrifice and remain united as a team."

The success of Real's "World Tour" is guaranteed with the club expected to bank 21 million euros ($25.6 million) for a trip taking in the U.S., China, Japan and Thailand.

But Perez faces a tougher job trying to equal that success on the pitch as he looks to placate fans exasperated at the club's failure to win a major trophy in the last two seasons.

Tour itinerary:

July 14: Depart from Madrid, arrive in Chicago

July 16: Game v Chivas Guadalajara of Mexico in Chicago

July 17: Arrive in Los Angeles

July 18: Game v Los Angeles Galaxy

July 19: Arrive in Beijing

July 23: Game v Beijing Gouan

July 24: Arrive in Tokyo

July 25: Game v Tokyo Verdy

July 27: Game v Jubilo Iwata

July 28: Arrive in Bangkok

July 29: Game v Thai All Stars