Real move to quash Figo speculation

Real Madrid have responded to speculation about Luis Figo's future by insisting the Portuguese winger remains an integral part of their plans.

The Primera Liga side issued a statement on Wednesday in response to British newspaper reports that they were negotiating a deal to sell the 31-year-old to Tottenham Hotspur.

"Real Madrid want to make it absolutely clear that no one from Tottenham Hotspur, either directly or indirectly, has approached the club to negotiate over the signing of Luis Figo nor of any other player," said the statement on the club's website.

"We want to make it clear that our player Luis Figo is under contract for the next two seasons and at no time has the club thought about transferring him because he is one of the most important players in the team."

Figo, who announced last week he would be taking an indefinite break from international football, joined Real in 2000 on a six-year contract from arch-rivals Barcelona for a then world record fee of $56 million.

He has won a European Cup and two league titles with Real Madrid.