Real considering quiet summer

DESPITE interest in the likes of Patrick Vieira and Lucio, Real Madrid are believed to be considering going throughout the summer period without a major transfer.

Their major move will be the return of Esteban Cambiasso (pictured), who has been on loan in Argentina for the past two seasons, most recently starring for River Plate in their Clausura championship winning side.

Alaves had shown interest in Cambiasso, but the gifted midfielder has earned his right at a crack at the Real starting line-up.

His return to Madrid is likely to continue to raise question marks over a number of peripheral players, although with the collapse of the transfer of Geremi and Flavio Conceicao to Chelsea, Real are having difficulties.

The economic downturn pervading through world football has hit Real hard as they look to offload expensive stars, which they have found difficult to do so and understandably perhaps they are considering keeping their money in their pocket.

With a number of stars rising through their youth system, including the prolific striker Javier Portillo, Real are ready to put their faith in this and save cash for more pressing needs.

Iker Casillas, Ivan Helguera and Fernando Morientes are singled out as those that can provide the backbone to the team, alongside the talismanic Raul.