Real Madrid to close Robinho deal today

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez hopes to confirm the signing of Santos winger Robinho sometime today.
 
A flurry of negotiations via telephone hook-up occurred over the weekend between the two clubs and Perez indicated last night the deal was very close to being rubberstamped.

"He is 21 years old, but he is someone who behaves as if he was 45. His common sense is admirable," said Perez. "His calmness over this tense situation demonstrates that we have gambled right in his signing."

Along with Perez, Real chiefs Jose Angel Sanchez (marketing), Antonio Garcia Ferreras (Communications), Carlos Martinez de Albornoz (Corporate), Manuel Redondo (Board President) and Antonio Vázquez (club laywer) were all on the phone to Brazil and Santos over the last 48 hours finalising details of Robinho's transfer, which could cost as much as £18 million for the Spanish giants.