Transfer ban could scupper David De Gea’s Real Madrid move

Real Madrid are at risk of a two-window transfer ban, putting their move for Manchester United's David De Gea in jeopardy.

The former Atletico goalkeeper almost moved back to the Spanish capital on transfer deadline day, only for the move to hit a hitch at the eleventh hour. He is thought to have a clause in his new contract allowing him to join Los Blancos for €41m (£28.8m), but the European giants might not be able to complete the deal until 2017. This is because, according to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, the club could face a ban similar to that imposed on rivals Barcelona relating to the transfers of underage players. Mundo Deportivo note that the decision is yet to be publicly confirmed by FIFA, and the publication suggests that Madrid are likely to appeal any decision, potentially delaying the enforcement of any ban. If the club ends up receiving comparable sanctions to those applied to Barcelona, they would be able to sign players during the suspension but would be forbidden from registering any additions to their squad. Barcelona's summer signings, Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal, are unable to play for the club until 2016.