Madrid deny Saviola report

It is the second time in less than three months that the Madrid-based paper have made the link, although admittedly today's story referred to statements made by an agent, Jose Maria Minguella, on Spanish radio.

"I can assure you that Saviola has not signed for Real Madrid," Real president Ramon Calderon said on the club website.

""t is all speculation. Had we signed all the players that have been linked to Madrid by the press we would be able to field five teams."

Saviola, 25, is set to leave Barcelona after three seasons in the wilderness and Marca had claimed in April that he had signed a pre-contract with their bitterest rivals Real. The former River Plate, Monaco and Sevila striker scored five Liga goals this season and has been linked with several foreign clubs.

- RM -