Football Magazine News

Madrid paid €7million to sign Marcelo from Fluminense in January 2007 and despite some erratic performances at times this season, the club have decided to give him another year to prove that he can live up to their initial investment before searching out a replacement.

Marcelo will be expected to rotate left-back duties with Gabriel Heinze into next season, with Madrid hoping that the nineteen year old can mature as a player and drill out the sort of mistakes that cost them the game away to Real Betis earlier this year.

The club hierarchy have no doubts as to the talent and potential quality of the young Brazilian and are just hopeful that he can improve enough over the course of next season to become a viable first-choice for years to come.

Their renewed faith in Marcelo will result in Madrid pulling out of the race to sign Catania left-back Juan Manuel Vargas, who had be touted as a potential target for the club in recent weeks.

The Peruvian international has impressed with his excellent performances in Serie A this season, but the potential list of suitors could be significantly reduced by the €15million price-tag that Catania have slapped on his head for any interested parties.

Nick Dorrington