Karanka offered fresh Real deal

Real Madrid defender Aitor Karanka has been offered a contract extension after another impressive season at the club.

The centre-back's current deal expires on 30 June, 2002, but general manager Jorge Valdano has offered him an extension – the length of which has not yet been made public.

Karanka's agent Miguel Santos said on Wednesday: "We have exchanged our ideas. The club have told me its intentions and conditions and now I must talk with Aitor, think the offer over and give a quick answer."

Karanka has spent four years at the Bernabeu and has become an essential part of coach Vicente del Bosque's plans.

Despite the fact that Real have constantly been linked with signing another centre-back – especially Lazio's Alessandro Nesta – the club are still keen to keep hold of Karanka.