Defender confirms Real interest

Deportivo defender Manual Pablo Garcia has confirmed that Real Madrid have been in contact with a view to a possible transfer to the champions.

The Spanish international is thought to be extremely keen on a move to Madrid, but has also admitted that the possibility of a deal being agreed between the two clubs is highly unlikely.

"Real Madrid spoke to my agent a couple of weeks ago and then they got in touch with me to see if I was interested," he said. "I can’t really see me moving because of the sums involved."

The 25-year-old’s contract, which runs until 2009, is believed to have a buy-out clause in the region of $US 77million, and it is therefore clear that for a deal to be agreed, Depor would have to lower that fee substantially.

Nevertheless, if a deal were to be agreed, it would come close to breaking the world record transfer fee for a defender, set at $US 25million, paid by Leeds United for England international Rio Ferdinand last season.

However, Garcia added: "It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and if the figures are what I have heard then I would be very good business for Deportivo."

"The ball is not in my court. I’m under contract to Deportivo and I’m very happy to stay."