Real Madrid confirmed this Tuesday that it has reached an agreement to loan Dutch midfielder Royston Drenthe to recently promoted side Hercules.

The 23-year-old, who can play at either left back or on the left of midfield will play with the Alicante based side for the rest of the campaign.

Drenthe arrived at Real Madrid for around 18 million US dollars in the summer of 2007, but has been a disappointment as the former Dutch under-21 player failed to develop and improved his game.

He leaves the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium after making just 46 first league appearances in three seasons and turning out just eight times last season.

After making six summer signings, among them Angel di Maria, Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira over the summer, Real Madrid needs to reduce its wage bill.

Tuesday is the last chance for Spanish teams to either incorporate or sell players as the transfer window now closes until January 1.

Drenthe will now be a teammate of former French international striker David Trezeguet, who was presented as a new Hercules player on Monday.