Arjen Robben has forced Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to reassess his player sale plans. Sport says Perez had Robben high on his transfer-list, along with Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart, but the winger's preseason form has forced a board rethink.

Indeed, the inconsistent performances of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema - in contrast to Robben - has convinced Perez to listen to coach Manuel Pellegrini and rule out selling the winger.

Manchester United and Manchester City came in for Robben over the weekend - and were willing to match his £3 million-a-year wages - but Perez knocked back both Premiership giants.