Real Madrid strike deal with Santos for £16M Robinho

Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Santos for winger Robinho.

Sources close to the deal have told AS that a fee of around £16 million has been agreed for the Brazil international.

Chelsea and Benfica both tried to snatch Robinho from under the noses of Real, but the player's heart was set on moving to Spain and he insisted on Santos negotiating a deal with Madrid.

Real intend to finalise negotiations this month and plan to formally announce the deal before the start of February. Robinho will move to Spain in June.

The arrival of Wanderlei Luxemburgo as Real's coach also smoothed negotiations. Luxemburgo is happy to see Robinho remain in Brazil for the rest of the season.

The winger will stay with Santos until their Liberatores campaign is over - the final is due to be played in July.