4 April 2007, by Sean Gillen

Sought-after Andrade in no rush to move on

“I won’t ask to leave,” says Portugal international

Highly coveted defender Jorge Andrade insists that he will not demand a move from his current side Deportivo La Coruna this summer, as Barcelona and Real Madrid battle it out for the Portuguese international’s signature.

A range of top European clubs have been linked with the former Porto man, including Chelsea, Inter Milan and Valencia, but reports in Spain suggest that Andrade will have the choice of La Liga’s biggest clubs at the end of the season, with Barca and Real already in negotiations with Depor.

Despite the Galicians having expressed an interest in selling Andrade, the player himself is unwilling to put pressure on his employers.

“I have not spoken with anybody. Now, if they spoke with my representative or the president, they will know my situation,” said Andrade.

“I am not going to ask to leave. I want to be calm. There are other players who are in a more delicate situation because their contract is finishing and I have two years left on mine.”

Having been regarded as one of the finest defenders in Spanish football for several years, Andrade was expected to leave Depor for one of the continent’s biggest clubs last summer, but a serious knee injury blocked the move.

However, it is now expected that the 28-year-old will be playing for one of Spain’s two heavyweights next season, with Depor president Augusto Cesar Lendoiro thought to prefer a deal with Madrid ahead of their fierce rivals.