SPORTING EYE REAL WINGER

Although Florentino Perez has stated he will not buy again this summer, although it is common knowledge that Real are looking to shore up their own troublesome right back position.

Sporting were close to a deal for Barcelona's Simao Sabrosa, but this has now stalled, so the Portuguese giants have started to look elsewhere.

The 25-year-old Yugoslavian has been informed of the interest of Sporting by Jorge Valdano, Real's sporting director.

"I've spoken today (Monday) with Jorge Valdano and there is a possibility of heading to Benfica, but for the time being nothing is confirmed.  We're going to have to wait and see how the situation develops.  That's all for now, as I'm still a Real player and I don't want to comment on other clubs," said Ognejenovic.

Meanwhile, Sporting's Beto and Facundo Quiroga are believed to be on Real's short-list.

With the deal for Javier Zanetti seemingly scrapped, the rumours linking the two Portuguese players have resurfaced.

Meanwhile Sporting's Rumanian Lazlo Boloni has trimmed the playing staff from 28 to around 20 players.

Youngsters Beto, Helder Rosario and Lourenco have headed back to the reserve side, whilst Mbo Mpenza and Tonito are believed to be on their way out of Alvalade.

Mpenza, brother of striker Emile, is on Sporting's transfer list with Standard Liege one of a plethora of clubs interested in him.

Tenerife is believed to be Tonito's destination on a loan deal.