Racing want Pinilla for keeps

Racing Santander will look to seal the permanent transfer of striker Mauricio Pinilla this summer.

The Chilean joined Racing from Sporting Lisbon during the January transfer window on a loan deal that runs until the end of the season.

Although he has only managed one goal since arriving - a penalty against Alaves back in February - the 22-year-old has impressed the paymasters at Racing who have already opened talks to keep him.

Any deal is likely to be reliant on Santander maintaining their top-flight status and another defeat last weekend, followed by the resignation of coach Manuel Preciado, means that is far from certain.

However, the South American is understood to be happy in Spain and Sporting have confirmed that further negotiations will take place next month.

"Initial contact has been made and I await a meeting in May with the directors of Santander," stated Sporting president Soares Franco.