Sergio Canales
Real Madrid have stated their intention to keep new signing Sergio Canales for the long term, by slapping a massive 150 million Euro release clause on the 19 year-old's contract.
A string of English clubs, led by Manchester City were said to be interested in the youngster earlier this year. Canales eventually signed for Real Madrid in January, although he will remain on loan at former club Racing Santander for the rest of the season. Manchester City were reported to have sent Sporting Director Mike Rigg and CFO Graham Wallace to Spain in January to try to lure the attacker, before he agreed a deal with Real Madrid .
Canales has been a revelation in Spain’s Primera Liga this season and has scored 5 goals in 14 matches.
Although they have now signed Canales, Real Madrid remain wary of the interest of Manchester City and other English clubs. Spanish daily AS reports that the club's sporting director, Jorge Valdano travelled to Santander last week to present Canales with the Real Madrid number 27 shirt and to agree a 150 million release clause in his contract.
AS says that "with this clause, the club wants to keep away the temptation of English clubs to take him to the Premier League." AS mentions Manchester City , Chelsea and Manchester United as among the clubs potentially interested in eventually signing Canales.
