Robinho move hits Real trouble

Real Madrid’s move to sign Brazil striker Robinho is in danger of falling apart, according to one of the player’s representatives.

Robinho’s long-awaited move from Santos to Real Madrid appeared to be on the cards last week, with even the player claiming the switch could be completed in a matter of hours.

However, Juan Figer, who owns 40% of Robinho’s rights, has warned that Santos, who own the remaining 60%, could hold out for more money than the €17m (£11.3 million) offered by Madrid.

Figer said: “At the time I said that Madrid should have closed the deal and not just assured themselves an option on the player and now it is going to cost them a lot more time and effort to sign him.

“Although they only have 60% of his rights, Santos are calm. He has a buy-out clause of €50m dollars (£27 million) and a contract until the end of June 2008.”

Figer also claims that Madrid are not the only club interested in the 21-year-old, while adding that there is a popular campaign in Brazil to stop the youngster playing his football abroad next season.

“He is a player very much in demand and his price has gone up in recent weeks,” Figer said.

“It is true that Arsenal are interested, but it’s not a question of it being a race. The fact is that Real Madrid have an advantage.

“There is an agreement between Real Madrid and Robinho, but he has a contract with Santos and he has become a state matter in Brazil.

“He is the best player in the Brazilian league and nobody wants to see him leave the country, not even the president.”