Real Madrid have reached an agreement to bring midfielder Esteban Granero back to the Bernabeu from neighbours Getafe.

The 22-year-old Granero came up through the youth ranks at home-town club Madrid before making the short switch to Getafe in 2007.

Granero, who has agreed a four-year contract with the Primera Division giants, becomes the seventh addition to a new-look Madrid squad for next season, following on from Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema, Raul Albiol, Alvaro Negredo and Ezequiel Garay, who was signed from Racing Santander 12 months ago but spent last summer on loan at the Cantabrian club.

"To play at Madrid now is nicer than when I was here before. Is it more difficult? I don't know. What I'm sure about is that it is a challenge, and I love big challenges," said Granero in AS.

"I've come here to stay. I want to take advantage of this chance."

He added on Spanish radio: "I always hoped to return and fortunately that's happened. Everything that happens from now on depends on me. I spent 12 years wearing this shirt (in Madrid's youth teams) and now this opportunity has presented itself I couldn't say no.

"I'm really looking forward to starting."

Granero also had words of thanks for Getafe, saying: "They gave me my first opportunity. It's been two great years which have taught me a lot."