Real Madrid defender David Mateos is very close to joining AEK Athens in the January transfer window. The former Sevilla coach has been pressing for the Spanish stopper to beat off reported interest from Real Zaragoza and Celtic.

Mateos is expected to complete his switch on Saturday and his move to Greece will offer him the chance of regular action, something that has not happened in Madrid.

A loan deal seems likely as Madrid are not prepared to allow their man to leave permanently as they see him as a prospect for next season.