Soccer-Getafe deny making agreement to release Schuster

MADRID, June 28 (Reuters) - Getafe have made no agreement to release coach Bernd Schuster, who has been tipped as the successor to Fabio Capello at Real Madrid, the club said on Thursday.

"In response to various stories that have appeared in the media today, Getafe want to categorically deny there is an agreement between Getafe and any club over their coach Bernd Schuster," said a statement on the club Web site (www.getafecf.es).

"He has a contract with us until June 30, 2008. These stories lack truth and bear no relation to reality. We formally ask that our 'modest' club and everyone who works here be treated professionally and with respect."

Real sacked Capello on Thursday, 11 days after he led them to their first Primera Liga title in four years.

Schuster, in his second season with Getafe, has just steered them to their first King's Cup final, where they lost 1-0 to Sevilla, and secured them a first appearance in the UEFA Cup.

However, the German has made no secret of his desire to coach his former club Real and has been championed in the local media as the ideal candidate to inspire the club's demanding fans.