Joaquin's Dad Confirms Real Madrid Interest

Real Betis' flying Spanish international winger Joaquin Sanchez is rumoured to be leaving the club this summer, these rumours could become a reality according to his dad.

Joaquin's father, Aurelio, has dropped a major hint that his son could be on the verge of a move to Real Madrid.

The debate regarding who will become Madrid's next 'Galactico' is still raging in Spain with Thierry Henry, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Michael Owen and Francesco Totti among the names being mentioned as possible targets to be this summer's traditional major signing.

With Luis Figo hinting that he could leave this summer, Joaquin is seen as their first choice replacement.

This was confirmed when Joaquin met with Real Madrid's president Florentino Perez at a football exhibition in Barcelona.

Joaquin's father has admitted the pair had a brief, but possibly significant, conversation.

"It is any footballer's dream to play for Real Madrid," Sanchez senior told Radio Marca.

"Anyone would move there with their eyes closed and, as his father, I can't hide the fact that I am excited," he added.

With Joaquin having recently inked a deal linking him to Betis for the foreseeable future and Aurelio admitted any move would not be simple.

However, Betis could be tempted to part with their star player for the right price and Real Madrid will stop at nothing when they set their sights on a target.

"I think we would have to start negotiating at around £20 million," said Aurelio.

"I am his father and of course Joaquin is a 'Galactico'. Nobody has spoken directly to us but we know they are interested in signing him and I think that if we have to negotiate, Betis would do so with Madrid before Manchester [United], Chelsea or Celtic," he added.

"They like Joaquin a lot in Madrid, you can tell that in the people and in public opinion. The 'Madridistas' are also 'Joaquinistas'."