Transfer rumours

With only a few days to go until the January transfer window opens, all talk is about who Real Madrid will sign. With no less than eleven players out injured, including Van Nistelrooy, Diarrà and De la Red virtually to the end of the season, speculations are rife. Three players are already on board however, Ajax striker Huntelaar signing a contract which ties him to the club until June 2013 (even he arrived injured!), "Lass" Diarrà joining from Portsmouth to repace his namesake, and Dani Parejo returning early from his loan to Queens Park Rangers.

What nobody realized at the time though is that only one between Huntelaar and Lass can play in the Champions League as both have already participated in the UEFA Cup! Fingers are already being pointed as to whose fault that could be, and lawyers are already checking the small print on contracts and regulations to make sure that any new signings don't fall in to the same trap. Names are popping up every day, so keep glued to our regular updates for more news. (29.12.08)