Valdano tried to sign Gabi for Real Madrid

Former Real Madrid sports chief Jorge Valdano tried to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Gabi before the youngster made his senior debut, it has been revealed.

Gabi was part of the Atletico youth team that included Fernando Torres, Raul Medina, Aznar and Sergio Torres and was a stand out.

Valdano attempted to sign Gabi during the summer of 2003, but Atletico sports chief Toni Munoz gave the approach short shrift.