Real Madrid have been banned from making transfers in the upcoming two windows – what does this mean for players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba?
Tired of reading? Click through the gallery to see who could be affected by Real's ban
Let's look at the stars linked with transfers away from Los Blancos first. Club superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has long been linked with an exit from the Santiago Bernabeu.
He is turning 31 in a fortnight and will be 32 years old when the ban expires in June 2017. It seems unlikely he will be sold in this window, but the Real could be forced to cash in on him while they can.
Gareth Bale is another superstar linked with a move away from the club. Similarly to Ronaldo, he is not expected to leave in the middle of the season as he would be cup-tied for Champions League football.
Real might look to make a few quick signings before their ban kicks in too. Juventus striker Alvaro Morata is high on the club's wish list, and they reportedly have a buyback option on their former player.
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea's transfer to the Spanish giants broke down at the last minute earlier this season, but it has been suggested that he might still move back to Spain. However, he would have to move now or wait until June 2017.
Paul Pogba and Eden Hazard are two new "Galactico" signing manager Zinedine Zidane was reportedly targeting for the summer window, but these plans will now have to be reviewed.
In light of Karim Benzema's ongoing court case, which could end up with the Frenchman going to jail, the club is reportedly also looking for a new striker.
Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski, Manchester Ciy's Sergio Aguero and Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane were linked with a move to the Bernabeu, but now seem unlikely to join the Spanish club.
One potential short-term signing in January could be Bayer Leverkusen's young left back, Wendell. The 22-year-old has been targeted as back-up for Marcelo.
Read: Biggest Stars Who Have Never Won Ballon d'Or
FC Barcelona made nine signings in the window before their ban kicked in a couple of years ago, so it will definitely be interesting to see how Real handle their upcoming transfer embargo.
Who do you think Real should sign before the ban is in place? Have your say in the comments section below.
