Liga Editorial: Madrid Always Get Their Man

It is unfortunate if your team has a player that becomes the number one target of the world's biggest spending club, but it is really bad luck if the player openly admits to supporting that club.

For Real Betis that nightmare scenario is reality as Real Madrid have declared their interest in the Andalucians' winger Joaquin.

The player himself has said little on the news, but has made it clear to anyone who will listen that he has been a fan of Madrid since birth.

The combination could not be worse for Betis, who are trying to construct a side that will see them make an impact in the Champions League next term.

Since the arrival of Florentino Perez as president of Real Madrid, the club have announced a summer transfer target every year just after Christmas and have never failed to land their man.

For the last three seasons they have pinpointed one of Europe's best players, or at least the ones that will make them the most money on the marketing front, and set about making an offer that the player's owners could not refuse.

Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo have all endured protracted moves to the current European champions and now Joaquin will be next.

After burstng onto the scene in 2000, the Cadiz-born midfielder alternated between Betis's second string and the first team, making 25 appearances in the Spanish top flight.

Having played almost every game during the next two seasons, Joaquin was called into the Spain side for the World Cup Finals in Japan and Korea.

His arrival on the world stage should have been complete, but instead he became the name that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

After a 0-0 draw with South Korea, Joaquin stepped forward to take Spain's fifth and decisive penalty. But the Betis man could fire the ball straight at Lee Woon-Jae and his country were out of the tournament.

It was an agonising end for Joaquin and his teammates and many wondered what affect that would have on the country's young star.

But this season he has actually improved. Joaquin announced his return to form with a stunning individual effort against Barcelona in September as Betis ran out 3-0 winners.

He has been an almost ever-present in the side and has netted eight goals in all competitions this term, his best tally yet.

Now he is in the sights of the team has supported since he was a boy.

Without realising the affect his comments may have on his career, Joaquin has often stated his love of Real Madrid to the press

But realised the error of his ways earlier this season and refused to speak to the media as rumours about a move to the Spanish capital increased.

Now the Bernabeu outfit are sitting up and taking notice and believe that their task during the coming months has been made all then more easy.

It will matter little that he has a contract with Betis until 2008 and that coach Victor Fernandez is keen for his board to tie his star down with an extended deal.

If Madrid come anywhere near to matching the €60million buy-out clause that Joaquin has in his current deal then Betis will be forced to listen.

Luis Figo has suggested that he would like to end his career back in Portugal and Madrid are desperate to land his replacement before he leaves.

It is all set up and now the negotiations can begin in earnest.