Man Utd forced Real Madrid's hand over Solari deal

Real Madrid midfielder Santiago Solari signed a new, long-term deal on Monday.

The Argentina international will now stay with Real until 2009, snubbing Manchester United and Liverpool in the process.

"The attitude of the president has been fundamental. My objective is to maintain my level and to work to an agreed mark for the prestige of this club," said Solari yesterday.

The deal is an improvement on Solari's previous contract, which was due to expire in the summer. Real stepped up negotiations over the weekend after it emerged that the midfielder had received a bumper offer from Manchester United.