Real Madrid was always the preferred destination for rising star Sergio Canales, according to the player's father.

Madrid confirmed on Friday the long-anticipated news that they had won the race for the Racing Santander forward, agreeing a deal that will see the youngster - who turns 19 on Tuesday - move to Bernabeu on a six-year contract this summer.

A host of big-name clubs were linked to Canales, who has burst onto the scene this season with a series of eye-catching performances, but it appears it was Madrid who were always the teenager's top choice.

"He's had it very clear from the start, he wanted to play at Real Madrid," said Angel Canales, the player's father and representative.

"I never put my son up for auction as some have said. For me I was obliged to listen to all the clubs, simply out of courtesy. I've never asked for anything."

The Santander-born Sergio Canales, having made only a handful of appearances for Racing's first team last season, has enjoyed a fine run of goalscoring form in the past few months.

In his last seven Primera Division matches he has netted five goals, while he also netted another goal in Racing's 5-1 aggregate demolition of Osasuna in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals last month.

Angel Canales added in AS: "I have to admit that I've been surprised by the progress of Sergio. A few months ago he was playing in the Segunda Division B and now look at him. He's been fortunate to have scored some high-quality goals and that's what sells."

No fee has officially been confirmed for the transfer, but media reports in Spain suggest Madrid will initially pay in the region of five million euros for Canales.

Racing president Francisco Pernia said: "It's been the best solution both for the player and for Racing. We are happy with the agreement. We've put in a series of success-related clauses that I'm sure will also benefit us."