Luque staying put

Real Madrid appear to have missed out on striker Albert Luque, after the player's agent confirmed that he will extend his contract with Mallorca.

Luque, 23, is due to walk free from Son Moix in June and Real were believed to have a lucrative package ready to tempt the talented youngster.

Mallorca, however, have plans for the Catalan ace and are expected to seal a two-year extension onto his existing contract on Thursday or Friday.

Luque's agent Manuel Ferrer said on Wednesday: "We have decided to prolong the player’s contract, which would have expired in 2002."

"There has been a lot of interest from some important clubs. But Luque has an important season to look forward to with the Champions League not far off."