Ruben Pardo
Ruben Pardo is one of the most talented players in La Liga.

Liverpool and Manchester United's hopes of luring Real Sociedad midfielder Ruben Pardo away from Anoeta have been all but extinguished after the youngster expressed his desire to stay at the Basque club, according to Spanish reports.

The 21-year-old is one of the most talented players in La Liga and experts compare him to Xabi Alonso due to his position on the pitch and because they both started their careers at Sociedad. His performances have caught the eye of several elite clubs, including Real Madrid.

Los Blancos tried to sign Pardo after his starring role in the Under-19 European Championship and have been monitoring his situation since then. The Bernabeu giants wanted him as a long-term replacement for Alonso, but their interest has waned after the signing of Asier Illarramendi, another former Sociedad player.

However, Pardo has developed all his career at Real where he is enjoying life. The youngster would be willing to extend his contract, which does not expire for another two years, as he said: "I am happy.

"Sincerely, I am not preoccupied with the rumours about English clubs.

"If I think about the rumours it damages my game. I am focussed on Real Sociedad.

"My deal ends in June 2016 but my desire is to stay many years with Real because I am very happy in San Sebastian," he told the Spanish paper AS.

However, a few months ago, the creative midfielder showed his passion for the Premier League in an interview with AS, saying: "I support Chelsea a little bit.

"The Premier League is a tournament that I really like but now I am not thinking about playing there."

Pardo, who has a huge release clause of €30m, is also one of the biggest assets of the Spanish Under-21 national team. With La Roja he has already won the Under-17 European Championship in 2009 and the Under-19 equivalent in 2011.