Independiente vice-president Noray Nakis has confirmed a bid has been fielded from Real Madrid for Martin Benitez.

Nakis has explained why the club turned down the offer.

He told AS: ''He's a very important player for us.

"We didn't accept Real Madrid's proposal which was to farm him out on loan to another club to gain experience. Martín is already a very good player and he has potential which is why if he does join another club, it should be to play there right from the start."