RYAN RICHARDS TURNS DOWN REAL MADRID
07/10/2008

Great Britain's great hope Ryan Richards has turned down Real Madrid but could he be bound for Chris Finch and Mons?

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Chris Finch has made a bold bid to sign rising Brit star Ryan Richards to his Belgian club Mons next season.

Richards, 17, is being tipped for an NBA career after catching the eyes of American scouts despite being based in Gran Canaria.

He has already turned down the offer of a five-year deal from mighty Real Madrid because of the prohibitive NBA "buy-out" that the ACB club want to put into the contract.

Instead, Richards has sought the advice of GB officials about what his best career move might be and he has already paid a visit to Finch in Belgium.

The GB chief followed up that meeting with the offer of a two-year contract which he mailed to Richards' family two weeks ago.

And now Mons await a response from the highly-rated teen.

Finch said: "Ryan is looking for a mid-level situation where he could get a little bit more personal attention and where he isn't restricted by a massive buy-out.

"We have a good academic situation here, too, and already have him a place at an American school here if he comes.

"We are just waiting to hear back from him."

The plan would be for Richards to complete his education and spend time working on his game with Mons' academy set-up.

But he would also have the opportunity to practice with Finch's senior team and play for their "reserve" team, possibly graduating to the senior side if his form justifies it.

Ian Whittell for 24/7