Real Madrid midfield enforcer Fernando Gago has been reduced to tears as he continues to be overlooked for a first-team berth by Manuel Pellegrini this season, according to his agent.

Gago, 23, joined Los Blancos in a £20million move form Argentine giants Boca Juniors in 2006 and was quickly dubbed the new Fernando Redondo upon his arrival - a key component in Real's rise to the top once again.

However, Real's failure to secure any significant silverware since then forced astronomical spending, £220million to be exact, during the summer with Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Xabi Alonso providing stern competition in midfield.

Gago has since been frozen out at the Santiago Bernabeu as he struggles to dismount impressive midfield duo Alonso and former Portsmouth favourite Lassana Diarra, much to the frustration of his agent, Marcelo Lombilla.

"I understand that the starter in his place is Xabi Alonso, who is a high-class player, but he is also a big signing of the president (Florentino Perez) and because of this he has more minutes than Gago," Lombilla told Marca.

Moreover, Lombilla also claims Gago has been left so frustrated with his predicament at the Spanish giants that he is often left in tears!

"For me it doesn't make sense to have a player who is not happy at his club, who isn't playing. Gago, when he's not playing, is sat at home crying," said Lombilla

The news will no doubt mount serious speculation over the Argentine's future at the club with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger known to be a huge admirer of Gago's talents'

Although Real may be reluctant to let the combative midfielder leave, a January move could still be on the cards as Gago seeks regular first-team action in an attempt to force his way into Diego Maradona's World Cup squad.

"What Gago wants is rhythm, because the World Cup is close and for Maradona to call him up he has to play," Lombilla added.