Karanka On His Way to AC Milan

In a recent development, Spanish international center back Aitor Karanka is set to walk out of Real Madrid after contract talks with the club broke down. Karanka, who along with Hierro, has played a key role in Real's European and domestic triumphs in recent years, said that he was seriously considering leaving the Madrid club.

Karanka, who is best known for finally breaking the eternal partnership of Fernando Hierro and Manuel Sanchis at the heart of the Madrid defence has claimed that Jorge Valdano has made no attempt to keep him at the club. "We submitted a request six months ago and we have had no response from the club," the players agent said.

The 28-year old has been linked with Manchester United and AC Milan but Milan look like favorites to land him after it was reported by Spanish media that the player's agent had recently been involved in a meeting with the Italian giants. If the deal goes through, Milan will be able to sign the player for free in June.