Real 'following' Gourcuff

The French star has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal and Manchester United said to be admirers, and is believed to have a release clause of £21.8 million in his contract.

Last week Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud said: "I have received no offer for Gourcuff or anybody else for that matter. We know what the English tabloids are like."

However, Liga giants Real have now come out and admitted their admiration for the creative midfielder.

"Some believe that he is the new Zidane," Perez told Spanish television channel Antena.

"He is a player that we are following, like others, because we believe that they are the best players for the future."