Real Madrid FC

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• Founded:1902
• Manager:Jose Mourinho

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Real swoop for snare Albiol

25 Jun 2009 - 12:18:33

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Real Madrid have continued their squad rebuilding programme by signing defender Raul Albiol from Valencia.

The 23-year-old Spain international has joined the big-spending Bernabeu club for a fee believed to be in the region of £14million.

"Real Madrid and Valencia have reached a deal for the transfer of Raul Albiol, which will take effect next week following the mandatory physical and signing of the contract by the player," confirmed a club statement.

"The 23-year old has agreed to a five-year contract and will be presented next week."

Valencia have also confirmed the transfer of a player who came through their youth ranks, adding: "The club want to thank Albiol for his exemplary behaviour during his career with Valencia and wish him the best of luck."

Real have already spent £59million on Kaka and have agreed to pay a world record £80million fee to Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo in recent weeks.