No more signings for Real

Sports manager Jorge Valdano has revealed that the club will not be making any new signings when the transfer markets reopen in December.

Rumours have been circulating that the Spanish champions would be adding reinforcements to their squad over the winter period, with the team's defence being a major area of concern. But Real have changed their stance on a squad revamp with Valdano saying: "We didn't promise to make any new signings in December, I only said that it would be a possibility that we might enter the market."

"But now, I would say that there is a 100 per cent chance that we won't be hiring new players, it's not urgent that Real Madrid sign more staff."

Talk is rife about a possible swoop for Patrick Vieira next summer and Real players have given their seal of approval with Zinedine Zidane citing Vieira as the best midfielder in the world and complaints by Makalele that he could do with more help in the centre of the park.

Valdano pointed out that the club's youth project will form a crucial part of the team's development in years to come.

"The youth players are essential for Real's future but the future doesn't start tomorrow - Real Madrid have put them at the starting point and now, their continuity depends on them alone," he added.