Real Madrid keeping options open over Cicinho deal

Real Madrid are still keeping their options open over Sao Paulo defender Cicinho even though the Brazil international claims he has already signed a five-year contract with the Primera Liga side.

"We are interested in the player and we have an option to buy him," Real spokesman Antonio Garcia Ferreras was quoted as saying by sports daily Marca on Thursday.

"We will decide in December or January if we bring him here, loan him out or decide not to exercise our option on him."

The 25-year-old attacking right back, who was granted an Italian passport this week, told reporters his move to Real was already done and dusted.

"I've signed a five-year contract with Real and my aim is to give my full commitment to the club," he said. "I want to do all I can to be admired as much in Spain as I am in my own country."

With Cicinho now an Italian citizen, Real would not need to use one of their three permitted berths for non-European Union players if he does join the club in January's transfer window.