Madrid deny £22m Vieira transfer clinched

REAL MADRID'S director of sport Emilio Butragueno and Patrick Vieira's agent Steve Kutner both distanced themselves from any possibility that the France midfielder will make a £22 million switch to the Spanish giants.

Butragueno described reports that Real are close to signing Arsenal's 28-year-old skipper as "a bit excessive."

And Kutner insists that no agreement on any move away from north London has been made.Former Spain striker Butragueno claimed he was inaccurately quoted in reports which suggested Real had agreed personal terms with the France midfielder. He was quoted on Tuesday as saying: "He is an interesting player and very important for us and our club. It's a long process, but this week will be decisive."