Fulham end interest in Real Madrid midfield prodigy, eye another La Fabrica talent – report

Fulham end interest in Real Madrid midfield prodigy, eye another La Fabrica talent – report According to MARCA , Fulham have ended their interest in signing Thiago Pitarch from Real Madrid. The young La Fabrica midfield prospect was one of the potential signings Alvaro Arbeloa had identified to strengthen his new project in London after already raiding the club for Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios. Real Madrid unwilling to let Thiago leave However, Real Madrid’s firm refusal to even negotiate his departure has made the deal impossible. At Valdebebas, there is a clear belief in the midfielder’s potential. Thiago is currently in the final stages of his recovery after suffering an injury following his return from the European Under-19 Championship, which Spain won in Wales. That injury has prevented the youngster from joining Jose Mourinho’s first-team group. Rather than considering a departure, however, the Portuguese coach intends to count on him throughout the season . Thiago is not leaving. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Initially, Thiago will split his minutes between Castilla, where he remains registered despite being a first-team player in every other respect, and the senior squad. The aim is to gradually rebuild his fitness after an injury that will have kept him out for almost two months. Real Madrid’s plan is for him to return progressively and be ready when Mourinho needs him. Arbeloa knows the value of Real Madrid’s academy From Fulham’s perspective, Arbeloa had already successfully recruited from Real Madrid this summer. Gonzalo, who has scored in each of his last two matches for the English side, and Cesar Palacios both moved to Craven Cottage in deals that brought €50 million into Real Madrid’s coffers. Arbeloa now wants Manuel Angel. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Arbeloa knows the talent available in Real Madrid’s academy and has not hesitated to turn to players he already knows as he builds his new project. Manuel Angel emerges as the alternative With Thiago now off the table, Fulham have turned their attention elsewhere. The London club are considering Manuel Angel, another Castilla midfielder whom Arbeloa gave opportunities to towards the end of last season. As previously reported , Cadiz have entered the race for the midfielder with a €4 million proposal, meaning Fulham would have to match that figure to take the player to England. The competition for Manuel Angel could therefore add another layer of intrigue to the final days of the transfer window.