Celta close on Real star

Celta Vigo are hopeful of securing Real Madrid midfielder Pablo Garcia on a season-long loan.

The Uruguayan international has been informed that he does not feature in the plans of new Real boss Fabio Capello.

Capello has moved quickly to secure the services of defensive midfielders Emerson and Mahamadou Diarra since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu, leaving Garcia rather surplus to requirements.

The 29-year-old joined Real last summer from Osasuna, but failed to cement a first-team berth making only 17 starts last term.

With his days in Madrid seemingly numbered, Celta wasted no time in expressing their interest and talks are already at an advanced stage.

With a European campaign to prepare for this term, the Galicians are looking to bolster their squad ahead of the transfer deadline and boss Fernando Vazquez has expressed his admiration for Garcia.

"For us he would be a key player," Vazquez stated.

While hopeful of clinching the deal, Celta have struck of note of caution, however, with director of sport Felix Carnero adding: "It is an excellent possibility and would be a good transfer, but this kind of situation is never easy."