Real Madrid sports chief Pedja Mijatovic insists management are still backing Royston Drenthe to prove his worth.

The young Dutchman has struggled since arriving in the summer from Feyenoord and is being linked with a quick move out of Madrid in January.

But Mijatovic said last night: "He is a young player, we have to give him time, time that we have to take and he, too. Now he is not playing, but within a month, perhaps yes."

However, Mijatovic wouldn't comment on reports this week that Real were prepared to sell the Holland U21 international.