Santos stand firm on Robinho

Santos continue to dig their heels in over Robinho who has said he wants to join Real.

Real have long been at the head of the queue for the gifted teenager, but no deal has yet been struck with Santos.

Robinho's stock has risen this summer, with the forward producing some stellar performances for Brazil in the Confederations Cup, and this has led to speculation that other clubs could rival Real for his signature.

Arsenal and Chelsea have been put forward as likely bidders, but Robinho is eager to turn out for Real and said after the Confederations Cup final win over Argentina on Wednesday that he will speak with Santos president Marcelo Teixeira in a bid to smooth his passage to the Spanish capital.

"The moment has arrived for me to leave Santos," said Robinho. "I am going to return to Brazil to speak with the president of Santos.

"I hope he listens to me, my desire is to play with Real Madrid."

Santos were quick to issue a response, with Teixeira saying Robinho will only be sold when a club comes up with an offer that matches his release clause.

"I respect what Robinho has said," commented Teixeira. "But he still belongs to Santos.

"He will come to Brazil and we will talk. I am sure we will reach an agreement because he is under contract to Santos until January, 2008.

"Our position is clear: Robinho belongs to us until someone pays the $50 million that has to be paid to break his contract."

Teixeira has questioned Real's actions in the transfer market, with the Santos president feeling the Madrid giants need to be more respectful in the way they deal with rival clubs.

"Real Madrid think that because they are from Europe and have a lot of money, they can do what they want," said Teixeira. "We don't agree with that."