Romero reiterates Malaga loyalty

Malaga midfielder Marcelo Romero insists his primary objective is to remain at the Primera club despite interest from The Premiership.

As Skysports.com revealed last week, Aston Villa have been tracking the Uruguayan international, while reports in Spain have even suggested that Arsenal, as well as Deportivo La Coruna, are interested in the South American.

Romero, known as 'The Cat', is in his third season at Malaga having joined from Penarol in the summer of 2001, and is under contract at la Rosaleda until June, 2006.

However, Malaga's difficult financial situation means that Romero, as one of the club's most valuable assets, could be sacrificed if a substantial offer for his services arrives.

The player insists, though, he will only listen to other clubs if Malaga make it clear they are prepared to let him move on, but conceded he was flattered about the reported interest in him.

"I haven't listened to any offer before because I want to know what Malaga's offer for me to stay will be," Romero told Marca.

"It is pleasing that that one's work should be recognised though.

"It's my third year in the Spanish league and I am dedicating myself exclusively to Malaga, who were the team who believed in me.

"To get to know other leagues would also be good, and if an alternative comes up that is good for both parties then I would contemplate it."

In the recent past Malaga have tended to hold on to players until their contracts expire even if it meant missing out on a transfer fee.

Last summer stars like Dario Silva and Pedro Contreras left for Sevilla and Real Betis respectively at the end of their deals, but a big-money bid could persuade Malaga the time is right to part with Romero at the end of the season.

The defensive midfielder is currently recovering from a hand injury which has sidelined him for the past two weeks, but is hopeful of returning to the first-team squad for this weekend's league clash with Racing Santander.