Real Madrid desperate to clear fringe players off books

Real Madrid chiefs Pedja Mijatovic and Miguel Angel Portugal are desperate to clear four fringe players off the books before tonight's midnight transfer deadline.

Ruben de la Red, Esteban Granero, Javier Balboa and Adrian Gonzalez all have been told they're not in coach Bernd Schuster's plans this season, but won't consider dropping into the Third Division with Real's Castilla team.

Granero wants a free transfer, while Racing Santander are keen on De la Red and Adrian. Brazil international Marcelo is also expected to leave, with Real Valladolid favourites for the left-sided fullback.