Real Madrid selling 8 players in January

Real Madrid are ready to make eight first team stars available in the January transfer window in a bid to balance the books at the Bernabeu according to reports in the Spanish press. El Mundo Deportivo, Cardena SER and Marca are all reporting that eight Madrid first team players will face the axe in the New Year with president Florentino Perez keen on recouping part of their £250 million summer spending outlay.
Former Liverpool veteran Jerzy Dudek is looking for first team football and is available on a free transfer, while Dutch international Royston Drenthe has been linked with Chelsea and Inter.

Argentine international Fernando Gago has been linked with a return to his homeland as well as a move to Manchester City.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has this on Monday out a move for Ruud Van Nistelrooy, but North London rivals Tottenham Hotpsur have expressed their interest in the former Manchester United forward who is thought to be valued at a cut price £3 million.

Spanish legend Guti and Dutch international Rafael Van de Vart have been linked with January moves to the Premier League with City, United and Liverpool reportedly interested.

Tough tackling midfielder Mahamadou Diarra was billed as the solution to Arsenal's midfield problems, while also interesting AC Milan.

Finally young Argentine defender Ezequiel Garay is set to leave the club after falling behind Pepe and Raul Albiol in the pecking order; the centre half is being touted as a possible recruit for both Villareal and Valencia.