Milito happy to stay put

Real Zaragoza defender Gabriel Milito has responded to press speculation.

Real Zaragoza defender Gabriel Milito has responded to speculation linking him with Manchester United and Barcelona by stressing he wants to stay at La Romareda.

The highly-rated Argentinian stopper has impressed at Zaragoza after picking up the pieces of his career when a dream move to Real Madrid collapsed when he controversially failed a medical.

"If it is up to me, I will stay," commented Milito to As.

After proving his worth in Europe since leaving Independiente, the 24-year-old seems settled in La Liga and is under contract until 2007.

United successfully imported another Argentinian last year, Gabriel Heinze from Paris Saint Germain, while Barca are known to be keen to strengthen their defensive options during the close season.

Milito is being rated in the ‚é¼12 million class but his buy-out clause is actually ‚é¼30 million.

"I don't believe the club will sell Gabriel Milito," added Zaragoza sports director Miguel Pardaza.