Garay closes in on Real move

Real Madrid have agreed to sign Ezequiel Garay from Racing Santander, according to reports.

Spanish press reports transfer from Racing has been completed

Real Madrid have agreed to sign Ezequiel Garay from Racing Santander after negotiations were concluded between the two clubs, according to reports. Spanish newspaper Marca claims the Argentina international will cost Los Merengues €10million (£8million), potentially rising to €11million (£8.8million), and will put pen-to-paper on a six-year deal at the Bernabeu in the next few days. Garay has been a long-term target of the recently crowned champions and his arrival is expected to pave the way for the departure of either Fabio Cannavaro or Christoph Metzelder this summer. Barcelona looked set to sign the centre-back, but president Joan Laporta vetoed the deal due to a reported €18million (£14.3million) asking price. Racing qualified for the Uefa Cup on the final day of the Primera Division campaign, but their achievement was not enough to retain the player's services.