Zaragoza seal Milito deal

Madrid backed out of signing the 22-year-old after citing worries over an old knee injury.

Milito, and his club Independiente, vehemently denied any problem with his fitness and slammed the reigning Spanish champions for their decision.

However, the stopper will now get the chance to ply his trade in La Primera next tern after Zaragoza stepped in to rekindle a deal which had seemed dead following Madrid's arrival on the scene.

The Aragon-based outfit subjected the South American to a rigorous medical examination, but were then happy to proceed with a ‚é¼3 million (£2 million) transfer and he will be unveiled on Thursday

Zaragoza have though inserted a clause in the deal which states that they will not have to pay the player's salary should he fall injured due to the previously damaged knee.

However, club doctor Guillen believes this scenario unlikely, stating: "Milito has played 50 games without a break and without problems (since the injury).

"His knee, after two operations, is stable. It's clear that he is more at risk than someone who has not been operated on.

"There are many players with a knee in a similar state and they are playing perfectly well. His knee is fine.

"Real Madrid? They are perfectly within their rights to sign or not sign a player who has had a knee operation. But I believe he can play."

The player also expressed confidence that he would be able to play without any problems, and confirmed he was on the verge of sealing his move to La Romareda.

"I don't have any doubts about my fitness or my knee," said the defender.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are rumoured to have switched their attention to Paris Saint Germain defender Gabriel Heinze as their search for centre back continues in the wake of the Milito affair.

However, according to reports in France, PSG have insisted that the Argentine star is not available at any price.