Atletico make Reyes claim

By Francisco Acedo.   Last Updated: January 1, 1970 1:00am

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Jose Antonio Reyes' deadline day move to Real Madrid has caused controversy in Spain with Atletico Madrid apparently claiming they are owed ‚é¼2 million (£1.3 million) from the Arsenal forward.

The Spanish international moved to The Bernabeu on loan, with Brazilian star Julio Baptista switching to The Emirates Stadium in return, but Atletico are fuming that their city rivals managed to snare the 22-year-old.

Atletico, who had earlier lodged a permanent bid for Reyes that was turned down by The Gunners, believe they had a signed agreement with the player that ensured a cash payment if he moved to any other club.

However Reyes and his agent Jesus Rodrigues de Moya have denied the existence of such an arrangement.

"That is not true because it will be an illegal act," stated Reyes.

Moya has also moved to deny the speculation, stating: "We have not signed any documents and not advised Reyes about those."

Atletico are seemingly convinced that they have a document with the signature of one of Reyes' parents which provides the basis for their claim, but Real say they are similarly in the dark over the accusations.

Whilst Reyes' arrival in Spain has caused controversy, Baptista is looking to settle in straight away at The Emirates Stadium.

The former Sevilla star, nicknamed 'The Beast', has revealed he has already started learning English in a bid to help his assimilation in North London.

"They first started calling me The Beast in Seville because of my power and my strength," Baptista said in The Sun.

"But that part of my character has nothing to do with what I am like off the pitch.

"I like to stay in with the family and I have been learning English."