Santos deny Robinho-to-Real transfer reports

Brazilian champions Santos have denied reports that forward Robinho is to join Real Madrid.

"This does not exist," president Marcelo Teixeira told the club's official website after reports the 20-year-old could follow coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo to the nine-times European champions.

"I repeat that Robinho will continue at Santos. We, the player, his father and his agent, Wagner Ribeiro, had a meeting recently and the commitment was confirmed."

Although Robinho has a contract with the club until January 2008, speculation has been mounting over his future after his mother was kidnapped in November and held captive for 40 days.

He had already been linked with a possible move to Real Madrid before his mother was kidnapped. She was released on December 17.

Luxemburgo, who led Santos to the Brazilian title last month, was named as Real coach last Thursday.