Brazilian champions Santos have denied reports that forward Robinho is to join Real Madrid.

“This does not exist,” president Marcelo Teixeira told the club’s official website after reports the 20-year-old could on his way to Madrid.

“I repeat that Robinho will continue at Santos. We, the player, his father and his agent, Wagner Ribeiro, had a meeting recently and the commitment was confirmed.”

Speculation has been mounting over Robinho’s future after his mother was kidnapped in November and held for 40 days. She was released on December 17.

Wanderley Luxemburgo, who led Santos to the Brazilian title last month, was named as Real coach last Thursday.