Real rebuff Helguera pay-rise plea

Real Madrid sports director Jorge Valdano revealed on Wednesday that he had refused to give Ivan Helguera a pay-rise, despite pressure from the Spain midfielder's agent.

"Helguera has three more years of his contract to fulfil and we won't talk about an extension," he declared.

The elegant central midfielder, who can also play in defence, was the subject of bids from Manchester United and Arsenal last season, but settled at the Bernabeu when coach Vicente del Bosque gave him a regular first-team spot.

His agent, though, feels Helguera deserves more money now that he has established himself. Juan Jose Helguera, also the player's uncle, said: "We have made a first contact."

"Real Madrid have said they are happy with Helguera and he is happy with them. We have received a lot of offers during this past season, but Iv‡n wants to remain at the club."

"When Ivan signed with Real, he knew he was losing money - but he had faith that he would succeed. There was also a promise made by the former board of directors to review his contract, which was not fulfilled."

But Valdano stood firm on Wednesday, suggesting he had no intention of increasing Helguera's pay. "I welcomed Helguera's agent as a matter of routine, in the same way I have established links with all the agents. That's all," he stated.

Helguera earns around £750,000 a season at present. He is contracted to the club until 2004 and carries a £45 million buy-out clause.

Towards the end of the season, Helguera revealed his intention to land a new Real deal after reports linked him with Barcelona and Juventus. "My contract expires at the end of the season and I am hoping to meet with Real soon to discuss extending it," he said.

"I'm fed up with all these stories from Italy. They invent whatever they want. Perhaps they envy Real Madrid because we beat Lazio, but I don't want to talk about it anymore. I have to deny speculation about offers every week."

Juan Jose Helguera added: "I can tell you Ivan will stay in Madrid and we will talk to the club's directors at the end of the season to try to improve his wages and extend his contract."