Real Madrid are preparing to offer Ruud Van Nistelrooy an extension to his contract until 2010.
Madrid keen to extend striker's stay
Real Madrid are preparing to offer Ruud Van Nistelrooy an extension to his contract until 2010 as a reward for his goalscoring exploits on the pitch and his professionalism off it.
The Dutch striker moved to the Bernabéu in 2006 from Manchester United and penned a two-year deal with the option for a third.
After being a key player in Madrid's title win last term and impressing with a tally of 33 goals, Van Nistelrooy has impressed the board at the club.
Real's technical director Predrag Mijatovic has also been delighted with the striker's willingness to help the three new Dutch arrivals settle in.
Exemplary
Van Nistelrooy has been looking after Wesley Sneijder, Royston Drenthe and Arjen Robben and that has gone down very well with Mijatovic.
"Ruud is an exemplary sportsman, just like Raúl" a Real Madrid spokesman said. "He is a lad that trains like he plays, who has never given us any problems and is helping the new players to settle in.
"He was crucial to the club winning the league last season and has been very effective again this year. This offer of renewal is deserved."
Drogba
Meanwhile, Real have again been linked with a summer move for Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.
Spanish newspaper El Mundo have reported that a four-year deal has been offered to Drogba's agent, with a deal in the pipeline for next summer.
The Ivory Coast international was one of the closest Chelsea players to former manager Jose Mourinho, but has admitted he is not looking to leave Stamford Bridge despite the Portuguese's shock exit last month.
