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Real return for Manuel Pablo

Deportivo's Spanish defender Manuel Pablo has confirmed that Real Madrid have again made contact with a view to signing him for next season.

Deportivo's Spanish defender Manuel Pablo has confirmed that Real Madrid have again made contact with a view to signing him for next season.

"Last week they got in touch with my agent and friend Antonio Morales and they are still interested," the 25-year-old told the newspaper La Voz de Galicia.

The president of Los Blanquiazules, Augusto Cesar Lendoiro, has insisted all summer long that Madrid must pay the right-back's astronomical 15,000 million pesetas ($US 77.3m) buy-out clause in full.

This has not deterred the Spanish champions who believe that constant pressure may force Lendoiro to relent and sell him off at a cheaper price.

The Depor president will be annoyed to learn of the news, only a fortnight ago Lendoiro launched a biting attack on the Spanish champions, whom he accused of being underhand.

He said: "If Madrid really want him then let them do the correct thing. First they must speak to the club, then pay his buy-out clause."