Real sign Albiol

Real Madrid have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with defender Raul Albiol from Valencia.

Albiol, who is currently on international duty with Spain at the Confederations Cup in South Africa, will undergo a medical next week and will pen a five-year deal with Madrid.

The 23-year-old came up through the youth ranks at hometown club Valencia and, after spending the 2004/05 season on loan at Getafe, made his Primera Division debut for Los Che later that year.

The Albiol transfer is the continuation of Madrid’s summer rebuilding under president Florentino Perez, who is in his second spell after he presided over the famous ‘galacticos’ policy of bringing in big-name signings from 2000 to 2006.

The Los Merengues confirmed on their webiste.

“Real Madrid and Valencia CF have reached an agreement for the transfer of the player Raul Albiol, an accord that will come into effect next week after the usual medical and the signing of a contract by the player,” the statement read.

“The international defender, aged 23, will sign for the club for the next five seasons and will be presented next week.”

Valencia also confirmed the deal on their website, adding: “The club want to thank Albiol for his exemplary behaviour during his career with Valencia and wish him the best of luck.