Real Madrid scrap move for Milito

Spanish giants Real Madrid said they were pulling out of a move for Argentine defender Gabriel Milito after medical tests threw out doubts about his right ankle.

A statement from the Spanish champions said medical tests suggested there was "no guarantee" the 22-year-old would stand up to the rigors of life in La Primera Liga.

Milito had been set to sign for four years but Real Madrid's sporting director Jorge Valdano, himself an Argentine, said that "there is a risk factor which means we have to err on the side of prudence. We have to respect (the findings) of our medical staff."

Real added they wished the player well for the future after shelving the 3.5 million dollar move which was scheduled to go through on Friday.

Donato Villani, a member of the Argentine national squad's medical staff, had earlier expressed surprise at Real's hesitancy, noting that Milito "played 50 games last season and was in top form."