Benetton Treviso coach Ettore Messina could have a battle on his hands trying to prevent a raid on the club for his star centrer Jorge Garbajosa of Spain.

The 26-year-old, the most valuable player of Benetton's Coppa Italia triumph this year, is being targeted by many of Europe's top clubs.

The Madrid-born player who is 2.07m tall and is a fervent fan of Real Madrid's football team has one more season left on his contract but he is such a versatile player that clubs might be tempted to offer a big transfer fee.

"Real Madrid's interest in Jorge is very clear," Messina said to PA International.

"There are many clubs that have been and continue to be interested in Jorge such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, CSKA Moscow and (Unicaja) Malaga."

"Jorge is a very valuable player and our intention is that he remains with us in the future. The club have offered him a very important contract extension and we hope he continues to play with us."

"In any case, if a club wanted to sign Jorge they would have to reach an agreement with Benetton."

Garbajosa is a strong presence underneath the basket for club and country, but he also has excellent shooting range.

Injury prevented him from playing in the last two games of the club's Lega A play-off semi-final against Fortitudo Bologna and Benetton, predictably, were eliminated.

He will be included in Spain coach Mario Pesquera's national squad for the Olympic Games and will, along with Memphis Grizzlies power forward Pau Gasol, make the country a strong medal contender.

Messina's future, meanwhile, has been the source of speculation in recent days with the veteran coach linked with a move to Real Madrid but the Spanish giants put an end to those rumours when they announced the appointment of Bozidar Maljkovic on Wednesday.

"I have two years left on my contract with Benetton and I am very happy at the club," said Messina.

"There were no negotiations with Real Madrid because I have a contract and I aim to respect it."