Canales might stay in Santander

Published Feb. 13, 2010 5:02 p.m. ET

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Real Madrid's new signing Sergio Canales might not represent the team next season if he is not a first-team player, his current club Racing Santander said Saturday.

On Friday, Madrid completed the signing of the 18-year-old from Santander for next season, on a six-year contract after rejecting offers from many other major European clubs. Madrid did not disclose financial terms of the deal, which begins July 1.

However, Santander President Francisco Pernia and the player's father and agent Angel Canales told reporters that the forward could remain at Santander on loan for the foreseeable future to give him more playing time.

A Santander statement said that "if he is not in the Real Madrid first team, Sergio can only come and play for Racing, he cannot play for any other team."

Angel Canales said: "Sergio needs playing time, he still has to correct certain defects, polish certain things. you only do that by playing games."

Canales' array of spectacular goals has propelled him into the spotlight this season and led Spain coach Vicente del Bosque to say he has a chance at making the European champion's World Cup roster.

Canales has scored five goals from 11 appearances this season.

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