Lucas Silva: I want to stay at Real Madrid

RIO DE JANEIRO - Lucas Silva has declared his wish to remain at Real Madrid amid speculation linking him to Porto.

?

Real Madrid's new player Lucas Silva kisses his jersey as he poses during his presentation ceremony at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid January 26, 2015.??[Photo/Agencies]

The 22-year-old Brazilian has made eight first-team appearances for the Spanish outfit since his 14 million-euro move from Cruzeiro in January.

But the glut of foreign players in Real Madrid's squad has fueled speculation Silva will be loaned to another club.

Porto are favorites to secure a temporary deal for the midfielder, with Deportivo La Coruna and Sevilla also said to be interested.

"There have been a lot of reports and headlines, but it's only speculation," Silva told Brazil's SporTV.

"We have our pre-season already planned with friendlies arranged. In principal, what I have in mind is to stay at Real Madrid."

Silva said he had yet to speak to new manager Rafael Benitez, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti last month.

He expects to meet with the former Valencia, Liverpool and Napoli boss shortly after returning to the Spanish capital on Thursday.

"I've been on holidays and haven't been in contact with anybody from the club," Silva said.

"A loan is a possibility because there are a lot of non-European players in the squad. When I go back I'll meet with the new manager to see how it will work."