Breaking News!

Barcelona are asking about Real Madrid 2 new signings, Kaka and Ronaldo, "where has the money come from?"

Lmao so they should, it's a bit weird how the money has come about.

... Wed 17th June 2009.

New fixtures for the 2009/2010 season are out! Keep eyes on Sky Sports News on the day!

Fixtures will be LIVE on Sky Sports News at 10am on Wed 17th June!

Real Madrid are saying they have been building up to this and the Ronaldo deal was set up last year. Plus they say shirt sales will earn the money back..


Maybe Real Madrid are the Spanish Mafia.



:shocked::shocked::shocked::shocked:

Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins is keen to stay at the relegated club, but admits they are likely to sell him.

Atletico Madrid say the club will now listen to "interesting offers" for star forward Sergio Aguero. Argentine Aguero has been linked with both Chelsea and Manchester United.

Big-spending Real Madrid have set their sights on Arsenal defender Gael Clichy.

Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun has played down reports linking him to a move to Champions League winners Barcelona.

Ezequiel Lavezzi's agent insists Serie A club Napoli have received an offer from Liverpool for the Argentine striker.

Juventus are ready to offer David Trezeguet to Manchester City in exchange for Elano, according to reports in Italy.

I have some football news for the fooball thread

OWNERS BACK FERGUSON TO SPEND WELL

Sir Alex Ferguson will decide how much of the world record £80million transfer fee Manchester United are to receive for Cristiano Ronaldo he wants to spend.

In the wake of United's confirmation that a bid from Real Madrid for the Ballon D'Or winner had been accepted, supporters questioned how much of the cash Ferguson would get to spend given the Old Trafford outfit's £650million debt mountain.

While there is a general understanding of why the question is being asked, the Glazer family point to their record of backing Ferguson in the transfer market throughout the four years since their controversial takeover.

They insist that policy has not changed despite the ongoing credit crunch.

So, while they refuse to put a figure on the funds Ferguson might wish to spend, within reason the Scot will get what he wants.

"The idea Manchester United are motivated by a debt burden is just not true," said a Glazer spokesman. "It is not an issue.

"The fact is Cristiano Ronaldo decided, after six years, it was time to move on and the manager said okay.

"Sir Alex Ferguson is in total control of his squad. He is empowered to make whatever decisions he thinks are in the best interests of Manchester United. That continues to be the case."

It means Ferguson is behind the concrete approach for Wigan's Antonio Valencia which Latics chairman Dave Whelan is expecting within the next fortnight, and he will be the one who decides if United should make Bayern Munich a "crazy" offer for Franck Ribery and the level they should ultimately go to.

Not that United are completely immune from the credit crunch, given corporate seats will be difficult to shift in their entirety in the coming season, even though the Red Devils are bidding for a fourth consecutive league title.

However, the impact on Ferguson will be negligible.

"Nothing that has happened over the past four years would lead you to believe the owners are not going to continue investing in the team," added the spokesman.

"A substantial number of world-class players have been brought to the club in the past few years and that will still be the case."

Indeed, given confirmation US finance giant Aon are to become new shirt sponsors in 2010, a positive spin on the past two weeks would emphasise the removal of two areas of uncertainty, allowing the club to focus on what lies ahead free from the spectre of future problems.

"Two big issues have now been removed which, in its own way, is good for everyone," the Glazer spokesman added.

ATLETICO WILL LISTEN TO AGUERO OFFERS

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo says the club will listen to "interesting offers" for Chelsea target Sergio Aguero.

The Argentina international has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge after the Blues failed in their bids to sign Real Madrid new boy Kaka and Valencia striker David Villa.

Atletico have previously stated that they intend to keep Aguero at the Vicente Calderon but it now appears they may be prepared to sell highly-rated forward.

"We will open talks if an interesting offer is made," Cerezo told French radio station RMC.

"Many people have spoken about Aguero but the truth is that Atletico have not been contacted by any suitor."

RONALDO PRIDE OVER "HISTORIC" BID

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his pride at being the subject of an "historic" £80million bid from Real Madrid.

The Manchester United and Portugal winger is set to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical with the Bernabeu giants after the English side accepted the offer on Thursday.

"I have had my time at Man United. It's time to look forward and £80million is quite a sum of money. This deal is historic," said Ronaldo, who is currently on holiday in Los Angeles.

"It's flattering when two of the top teams in the world want you to play for them.

"Now I can look forward to Real Madrid and a new stage in my career. I learned of the deal here in LA and heard from my people that United had accepted."

Meanwhile, Ronaldo could make Real debut in Dublin next month.

Madrid will report for training on July 10 before travelling to the Irish capital three days later where they will stay until July 22.

A friendly has been scheduled although the details are not confirmed with the club's opponents yet to be determined.

WIGAN CONFIRM UNITED VALENCIA BIDS

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has confirmed that Manchester United have made offers for Antonio Valencia.

It was reported at the weekend that Premier League champions United and Primera Liga giants Real Madrid had bid in excess of £16million for the Ecuador international.

Real - who have had a world-record £80m bid for United's Cristiano Ronaldo accepted - have since stated that they have not shown an interest in Valencia since January.

However, Whelan has declared that United have been in contact with DW Stadium officials for the past two to three months and that they have also submitted initial offers.

He told Sky Sports News when asked about Valencia: "They (United) have been in touch with us and we will be starting negotiations very shortly, I would imagine.

"United have been in touch with us over Antonio for the last two or three months, expressing an interest and actually putting cash offers on the table.

"Those things have got to be picked up now. I think they were waiting to see if Ronaldo actually went to Real, which has happened."

He added: "Things will develop over the next seven to 14 days.

"The master, which is Sir Alex, he makes his moves when he is ready. He has strong interest in Antonio, there is no question in that.

"He had him watched practically every, single match last year. He has got a very strong interest in him. We are just sat on the fence now."

Whelan, though, is adamant that Wigan are not eager to cash in on Valencia.

"We are not desperate to sell Antonio, I'm telling you. If I can keep that lad, I'm going to keep him. He is one brilliant player," added Whelan.

"So there is no pressure on me, or our football club to sell him. If Man United don't want to make a (written) offer, I'll be delighted and we will have him in our team next season."

But the Wigan chairman admits that he will not stand in the 23-year-old's way if he expresses a desire to move to Old Trafford and the club's asking price is met.

He said: "What is difficult is to stop a lad like Antonio Valencia, who has got ambition. It is difficult to stop a footballer, who wants to get to the very, very top of the ladder.

"I would never stand in the way of a footballer who can go to bigger and better clubs, and you can't get bigger and better than Man United.

"If Antonio Valencia says to me, 'chairman, I want to go to Manchester United' and we get the right fee, the deal will be done."

KAKA REJOICES AT RONALDO ARRIVAL

Real Madrid new-boy Kaka is excited by the prospect of playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo next season.

The Brazilian superstar completed a big-money move to El Santiago Bernabeu on Monday, with his £56million switch from AC Milan breaking records.

However, a proposed £80million move for Ronaldo would see Real eclipse that deal almost immediately.

With Manchester United having reluctantly accepted that the Portuguese international is set to move on this summer, his arrival in Spain now appears to be a formality.

Real president Florentino Perez had vowed to bring Ronaldo to the capital upon his return to office, and appears poised to keep his word.

His arrival will further heighten the air of expectation which currently surrounds Real following their exploits in the transfer market, but Kaka for one is delighted to be part of such an ambitious project.

"I rejoice in the signing of Cristiano," the 27-year-old said on his arrival in South Africa where Brazil are defending their Confederations Cup title.

"I do not want to talk any more about this subject because I am here with the Selecao and we are only thinking about winning the Confederations Cup.

"But there's no doubt that Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world and he will help Real Madrid fight for every title next season."

RONALDO MOVE BACKED BY BLATTER

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has defended Real Madrid's record-breaking £80million move for Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Spanish giants have agreed to shell out the huge sum just days after completing a big-money move for Brazilian superstar Kaka.

Real are also reported to be considering a move for Valencia striker David Villa, with another substantial outlay required in order to land the Spain international.

Their exploits in the transfer market have made a mockery of the ongoing global recession and have been blasted in some quarters.

However, FIFA supremo Blatter insists the recent dealings only go to prove that football remains in good shape despite the financial chaos which has engulfed the world.

"It means that our product is still a good product," Blatter said ahead of the Confederations Cup.

"If this is the game of the people, they need stars."

He added: "Okay, it is a lot of money, but he is performing.

"There is still demand to have a star.

"We are on the market, and we are on a very sensitive market nowadays because there is an economic crisis. In football, we are in still on the good market."

Blatter also believes that player valuations were inevitably going to rise as record-breaking deals which shocked the world have been going on for years.

"It was already $50 million (£30m) more than 10 years ago," he said, hinting at Inter Milan's swoop for Brazil international Ronaldo in 1997.

"So what is 80 million pounds now? That means there is still demand to have a star."

UNITED EYE ALEXIS SANCHEZ DEAL

Alexis Sanchez's agent claims Manchester United want to sign the Udinese forward.

The Chile international's representative, Fernando Felicevich, claims the Red Devils are one of a number of Premier League clubs in talks about a potential deal for the 20-year-old.

Sanchez impressed in Serie A last season after spending the previous campaign on loan with Argentinian outfit River Plate and now it looks like he could be set for a move to England.

"My partner is currently in England working on the transfer of Alexis," Felicevich told Setanta.com.

"Yes, we have spoken to Manchester United, but not just to United. We have also held talks with other English teams. We are trying to do the transfer this summer."

WIGAN APOLOGISE OVER MARTINEZ DELAY

Wigan have apologised to supporters over the delay in naming Roberto Martinez as their new manager.

However the club are "confident" the wrangle with Swansea over compensation for the Spaniard's backroom staff will be resolved next week.

Martinez, 35, arrived at the ground yesterday in anticipation of being presented to the media. However, instead he was not called.

It is understood he has agreed a three-year deal to succeed Steve Bruce, now with Sunderland, at the DW Stadium.

The club have now released a statement to bring supporters up to speed with the situation.

It read: "Wigan hoped to unveil Roberto Martinez as new manager yesterday. But due to Swansea City wanting further compensation for Roberto's backroom team it was felt that delaying the announcement of Martinez was the only option.

"Wigan would like to apologise to the media at yesterday's event and to the supporters for the delay.

"The club would like to stress that talks with Roberto have been extremely positive and personal terms have been agreed.

"We are confident to resolve the issue by early next week. We have already agreed a compensation package to Swansea City for Roberto and talks are ongoing between the clubs about the backroom staff.

"Once these issues have been resolved we will be able to unveil Roberto as new manager and get on with the job of preparing for next season. Thank you all for your patience."

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins claims the club has been "left in limbo" over the affair and is eager to bring an end to the saga.

Martinez is keen to take his assistant Graeme Jones and chief scout Kevin Reeves with him.

Jenkins told the club's official website: "Roberto and Wigan were fully aware we wanted compensation for them both, not just to buy out their contracts but for the vast amount of knowledge and experience they hold.

"To lose our manager is bad enough but to think we would also lose our assistant manager and chief scout for nothing in the same compensation agreement as Roberto's is unfair and disrespectful to our football club and our fans.

"It's dragged on far too long. We've been left in limbo for the last seven to 10 days and it has clearly and severely hampered our search for a potential successor and our preparations for the new season."

PELLEGRINI FIRES TRANSFER WARNING

Real Madrid manager Manuel Pellegrini has fired an ominous warning to the football world after revealing the club have not set a limit on their transfer activity.

The Spanish giants have already signed Kaka and have had a world-record bid accepted for Manchester United winegr Cristiano Ronaldo.

Valencia striker David Villa is thought to be next on the shopping list, while Arsenal's Gael Clichy has been rumoured as a target in plans to match Barcelona's treble-winning season of La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey glory.

Pellegrini admits that Real - driven by newly-elected president Florentino Perez and director Jorge Valdano - are prepared to do what is neccesary to build a 'versatile squad'.

"We don't have a specific number of reinforcements we have to make," he told Real's official website.

"We are trying to come up with a versatile squad. Real Madrid will play in three championships next year and should not leave any one of them aside.

"I'd rather not talk about future signings because it would all be speculation at this stage. There are many good players that could sign for Real Madrid."

He added: "This is an important time for Real Madrid. A capable man like Florentino Perez has taken over the club and has been joined by Jorge Valdano, someone who has always been associated to all areas of the football world.

"They are building a great team, so it's natural for many players to want to sign for Real Madrid."

HAMMERS EYE JIMENEZ SWOOP

West Ham technical director Gianluca Nani has confirmed the club are interested in signing Inter Milan midfielder Luis Jimenez.

The Chile international has been linked with a move to the Hammers and Tottenham and Nani, who moved to Upton Park from Brescia last year, thinks the 24-year-old could be a good acquisition to Gianfranco Zola's squad.

"We have a coach who likes to play football on the ground and Jimenez is a great player," Nani told FC Inter News.

"He is currently an Inter player, but we still have two months left in the market.

"I like him very much - I wanted him to come to Brescia years ago."

AGENT: ARSENAL WANT SAKHO

Paris St Germain defender Mamadou Sakho could join either Arsenal or Bayern Munich, according to the player's agent.

Sakho has been linked with a move to the Gunners, with reports claiming scout Gilles Grimandi has been keeping track of his progress.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is said to be in the market for defensive reinforcements, and Ajax centre-back Thomas Vermaelen looks set to join the Emirates Stadium outfit.

Sakho, 19, could also be a target of the Premier League club, but, according to agent Tim Hager, the Frenchman is also being eyed by Bayern.

Hager told Sport: "He will be moving clubs this summer. Arsenal are interested, but the club are too cheap at the moment.

"Yes, I think a transfer will happen soon. He wants to play football in England and Arsenal are a good club but Manchester United is a better club.

"Arsenal want him, but Manchester United not yet. Barcelona in Spain, and Bayern Munich in the German league are also interested. They are all the teams at the moment that are interested in the player.

"But the most interested club is Arsenal, they want him the most. Bayern Munich is a top European club, so I think it will be Bayern or Arsenal."

McGHEE: HOOPS WERE FIRST CHOICE

Mark McGhee was delighted to be named the new manager of Aberdeen but admitted bossing Celtic would have been his first choice.

The 52-year-old has signed a one-year rolling contract to return to the club where he enjoyed a glittering period as a player between 1978 and 1984, that included a European Cup Winners' Cup triumph.

McGhee takes over at Pittodrie following Jimmy Calderwood's departure on the final day of the season.

The former Wolves, Reading and Leicester boss stressed that Aberdeen's supporters should not worry about the fact that Pittodrie was not his initial preference.

He said: "Aberdeen fans know that in Scottish football on a scale of one to three you have Rangers and Celtic and then Aberdeen comes in third.

"I think that any player or manager has the right to want to play or manage at the best club possible.

"I have looked at that opportunity, I didn't get that job but I then moved on to come to Aberdeen quickly with a total positive feeling and a total commitment.

"The Celtic thing should not in any way undermine things - quite the opposite actually. Maybe Aberdeen fans should be thinking that they have a manager that was considered by Celtic."

The former Motherwell boss revealed that he decided to join the Dons before being told by Celtic that he would not be the man to replace Gordon Strachan.

McGhee explained: "I sent Willie Miller a text last Friday to say that I was at a stage where I was prepared to speak seriously about coming to Aberdeen at the exclusion of anything that was happening at Celtic.

"I didn't actually know that I hadn't got the Celtic job until the Saturday morning.

"I had not received any unofficial word from Celtic, it was just at that point I was worried about losing the opportunity of coming to Aberdeen so I sent Willie a text. I hope that reassures a few of the fans."

Aberdeen have reportedly had to pay McGhee's former club Motherwell around £200,000 following lengthy compensation negotiations between the clubs.

McGhee was never worried about the deal falling through.

He said: "I knew that John Boyle (the Motherwell chairman) understood where I was coming from and that the time was right for me to leave Motherwell.

"I knew that he would drive a hard bargain as he is a good businessman. That is why guys like John Boyle and Stewart Milne (the Aberdeen chairman) own football clubs.

"I knew they would get the best deals for their clubs and it just took a little bit of time to get to that but the desire was always there to make it happen."

McGhee is not concerned by the fact he has been signed on a rolling deal, and believes it may be the best deal for everyone involved.

"The contract is the club's doing," he said. "Contracts don't interest me.

"I come and I do the job for whatever length of time that seems right. I'm here for as long as it is working, Aberdeen is making progress and the people want me here."

McGhee believes he can improve upon the performances of his predecessor Jimmy Calderwood.

He added: "I think there are the foundations to develop the team further than Jimmy has taken it.

"Jimmy has got them to fourth in the last two years as well as two semi-finals, which was a fantastic performance. I think there is a basis of a team here that can be improved and developed into a team that is good enough to get to a cup final."

Aberdeen's director of football Willie Miller was delighted that the club finally managed to get their man.

Miller said: "In media terms three weeks was maybe quite a long time to find a manager, but in reality it wasn't that long as there was a lot of work that had to be done in terms of whittling down the shortlist so the board and myself could focus on the manager we wanted.

"There was the little complication that he was in line for the Celtic job as well so that held things up.

"We have only had about a week to get the deal done. We did have a few challenges during that week but I'm pleased that we have now got him in place."

DOSSENA COULD STAY AT LIVERPOOL

Andrea Dossena would be happy to remain at Liverpool, according to the full-back's agent.

Dossena signed moved to Anfield from Udinese last summer but struggled to make an impact during his debut campaign in the Premier League.

Juventus have been linked with a move for the defender, and Dossena has confirmed he would like to play for the Serie A giants.

However, the Italy international's representative, Roberto La Florio, has stated that Liverpool are keen to retain his services.

"We have spoken with Liverpool and with Benitez and we received confirmation that the club are keen on holding onto Dossena," La Florio told Sportal.it.

"However, we all know what the market is like and when a certain offer comes along then negotiations open up.

"So far neither us nor Liverpool have been presented with an offer but we did have contact with Juve last year.

"Dossena is fine in England. He would be happy to return, but under certain conditions. Juve are making their own evaluations and they will contact us if they are interested. We will wait."

PEARCE HAPPY TO STAY IN 'FANTASTIC JOB'

England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce has agreed personal terms with the Football Association to remain in his current job for another two years.

Pearce has guided his youngsters to the European Championships, which start in Sweden on Monday, and has also received glowing praise from Fabio Capello after assisting the Italian with the senior team.

Capello wants Pearce with him at next year's World Cup but his new deal will run beyond that so the former Manchester City manager can take charge of the next Under-21 campaign. His current contract would run out at the end of these finals.

"I've agreed my contract with the FA in principle," Pearce said. "It's a case of signing it. It might be signed this week when Trevor (Sir Trevor Brooking, FA director of football development) comes out.

"Do I enjoy my job? Yes I do. I think it is a fantastic job. Would I like to stay for another two years? Yes I would. In principle we have agreed finances. As far as I'm concerned it's done.

"I've never been one to tout my name around and chase jobs here there and everywhere. If I'm happy in my work place, I stay there. I did that as a player and will do the same as a manager."

Pearce arrived at the Under-21s' training camp in Varberg on the west coast of Sweden, where the squad have been greeted by torrential rain ahead of their opener against Finland in Halmstad on Monday.

Captain Steven Taylor, Tom Huddlestone and Aaron Lennon are among the high-profile players who miss the tournament through injury but there has been no repeat of two years ago when David Bentley withdrew citing fatigue and Gabriel Agbonlahor could not be contacted to confirm his call-up.

Agbonlahor is in the current squad, which was bolstered by James Milner and Theo Walcott after they completed seniors duty.

Nedum Onuoha, who is tipped to be named stand-in captain, and Micah Richards trained separately as injury precautions.

Pearce said: "The training ground has been a good place to be, they haven't bought into the normal nonsense at the end of the season about players being tired and they've played too many games.

"The buy-in from the players has been outstanding. (David) Wheater and (Michael) Kightly have had operations. You could go through the pack. (Danny) Welbeck was desperate to be here. The captain, it goes without saying, wanted to be a part of it.

"If we are fortunate enough to go to the final there is no doubt I'll look back and one or two people that aren't here will deserve to have a hand on that trophy."

Pearce believes he has improved as a manager since taking the previous crop to the semi-finals in Holland before losing to the hosts after a marathon shoot-out.

The squad have been practising penalties after every training session to ensure they are prepared for anything. It is the type of thoroughness Pearce learned in the last two years after travelling to clubs in Europe and watching the likes of Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti oversee training.

"I watched him (Mourinho) work," Pearce said. "There is not a manager around that you don't learn from, whether it is him or Ancelotti.

"I also watched (Italy striker Mario) Balotelli train and know what a force he will be in the tournament.

"I've got to be more knowledgeable than two years ago."

England are considered as one of the favourites and Pearce feels victory could be important ahead of the World Cup next year in South Africa.

"I think it would be massive for English football," he said.

"If we are good enough to win this tournament, and it is a big ask, I think three or four players in the squad will be on the plane to South Africa."

CISSE ANGRY OVER SUNDERLAND SNUB

Djibril Cisse has slammed the way he was treated by Sunderland, but insists he is happy to be heading elsewhere this summer.

The Frenchman enjoyed a productive loan spell with the Black Cats last season and had hoped to see that agreement made permanent.

He claims to have been advised that the club were also keen to bring him in on a full-time basis, only to see no deal materialise at the end of the campaign.

Unwilling to head back to Marseille, his parent club, Cisse now finds himself in limbo, but believes it will not take long for him to find another club.

"I went into the final game thinking that I was going to be taken on," he told The Guardian.

"Because I had been told, when we are safe, we talk contracts. It's either a lie or a misunderstanding on my side but I think I understand English well enough to understand what that sentence means.

"I am angry because I tried to talk to them in January about my future and the manager [Ricky Sbragia] said: 'Djib, you have to stop talking'. So I stopped talking.

"The chairman [Niall Quinn] said I had to wait until we are safe, so I wait until the last day to hear: 'Thank you, we are not going to take up the option.'

"Luckily, I have other opportunities, otherwise I would be stuck."

Sunderland had agreed a 9million euros (£7.7m) deal with Marseille upon taking Cisse on loan, and the 28-year-old believes he would have provided good value for money.

"They had to pay 9million euros to Marseille, which was £7m at the time and it is now about £8m, but I still don't think that is a lot of money for a striker who is going to score 15 goals," he added.

"I can't take this excuse, that's why I am annoyed. If you want to stay in the Premier League and try to be regulars in the Premier League, you're going to have to pay more than £10m for strikers.

"I am just waiting to see who they buy. Are they going to find a £6m striker or are they going to buy a £12-15m striker?"

Despite his disenchantment at the way things went for him at Sunderland, Cisse admits he would be willing to discuss terms with a Premier League side this summer.

"If I had the chance to come back to another English club, I'd have to face Sunderland and it would be up to me to make them regret their decision," he said.

"Sometimes you have to be strong and show the people that they made a big mistake. Obviously, what I did this season wasn't good enough for Ricky and Niall so we will see next season."

Shamrock Rovers V Real Madrid is that the match they're on about??

PEREZ - REAL WON'T GO INTO DEBT

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez insists that the club will not go into debt after the signing of Kaka and the imminent arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Perez went as far as to say that the transfers would actually generate Real more money in the long-term.

Even for the man who masterminded the deals to bring Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane to the Bernabeu in his first spell as president, this past week has been nothing short of sensational for Perez and Real.

After shelling out £56million to AC Milan for Kaka on Monday, Real are now close to signing Ronaldo for £80million after Manchester United accepted their offer on Thursday.

However, the large sums of money involved in both deals - with Real also reportedly set to sign David Villa this summer - has people questioning where the funds are coming from.

Perez insists that all the funds would be coming from within the club, as he highlighted how he believed the deals could increase the club's revenue.

"On the contrary, we think we can improve our accounts by aiming for three goals," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Increasing ticket sales, increasing bank loans and increasing the club's economic value.

"(The money) is exclusively the club's not mine.

"Real Madrid take about €400million a year, the fruit of three sources of income - a third from ticket sales, a third from television rights and a third from merchandising."

STRUGGLING CLUBS RISK SIGNINGS BAN

Football League clubs will be barred from signing new players if they breach regulations on tax payments.

League clubs voted to introduce the new regulations at their annual general meeting in a bid to ensure all employee-related payments to HM Revenue and Customs are met.

Any club which falls behind with payments will be subject to a transfer embargo until the debt is cleared as the League attempts to make its members more prudent.

Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney said: "It is only right we do not permit clubs that are unable to meet the costs associated with their existing playing staff to make further new player commitments."

Clubs have also agreed to give the League written permission to monitor their tax affairs directly with HMRC, who have welcomed the new arrangement.

Mawhinney added: "This new regime will provide us with an early warning system where clubs are facing financial problems.

"It should also help prevent HMRC debt reaching levels that otherwise could hinder the potential rescue of the club through a CVA.

"More importantly, football generally needs to develop a culture of paying its debts rather than putting them off for another day. This will help our clubs to become more financially sustainable in the longer term."

Meanwhile, clubs also approved a proposal from Derby to increase the number of substitutes for Football League matches to seven, from the current five.