Real's Valdano admits defensive shortcomings

Real Madrid's sporting director Jorge Valdano admitted what Spanish league observers have known for some time: The club may have plenty of stars in attack - but they need a defender.

"We're a bit stretched - we'll hope to make some adjustments in December," when the transfer window re-opens, Valdano told Spanish television on Monday.

As well as being short on top quality defensive manpower Real also have a vacancy in defensive midfield following the sale of Frenchman Claude Makelele to Chelsea, Albert Celades to Bordeaux and Brazil's Flavio Conceicao to Borussia Dortmund.

Argentine Esteban Cambiasso currently is the man in possession but has yet to convince, while Argentine Santiago Solari and Spnish international Guti have also been found wanting.

With Cambiasso having joined the Argentine squad ahead of Tuesday's league match at Villarreal, Real may opt to give a senior league debut to 22-year-old Borja Fernandez.

At the back Real offloaded Julio Cesar to Real Zaragoza pre-season and also allowed former skipper Fernando Hierro to move to Qatar after winning three Champions Leagues and five league titles with the club.

Spanish international Ivan Helguera and 23-year-old Francisco Pavon are now the only recognised centre backs aside from Ruben Gonzalez Rocha, who has just three top flight matches under his belt.

Raul Bravo played in the centre of defence in Saturday's narrow win over Betis - but he is really a left back.