Helguera agrees new deal

Real midfielder Ivan Helguera has agreed a new contract that will keep him in Madrid until the summer of 2006.

Helguera's uncle, who also acts as the player's agent, agreed terms with Real officials yesterday, and the midfielder will put pen to paper on his new deal on Monday.

"Signing a new contract is the best thing which could have happened to me just before the new season starts," the 26-year-old Spanish international said.

"We both have made an effort to reach an agreement. As a Real Madrid fan since I was little it was impossible to imagine that we wouldn't sort the contract out in the end."

Helguera, who has been a target for many of Europe's top clubs in the past, joined Madrid in 1999 from Espanyol, having also had spells at Roma and Albacete.