Real Madrid have lost their appeal against a FIFA transfer ban and will not be able to sign players for the next two transfer windows (winter 2017 and summer of the same year). The ban was originally imposed in January earlier this year, but Real appealed against the decision, which allowed them to make signings this summer.

The same ban will also apply to Real’s cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid.

Club president Florentino Perez is also keen to secure Gareth Bale’s future, with the Welshman reportedly looking to ink a deal that will make him the second highest earner in the club, just behind Cristiano Ronaldo