


Real Madrid have scored a major summer transfer coup by swooping for highly-rated English-based duo Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea.
Most of the best clubs in Europe, including Chelsea and Barcelona, have been linked with one of the pair at some stage over the past few months.
But a flying visit to England by Galactico's sporting director Pedrag Mijatovic has proved exceptionally fruitful.
Fees have been agreed with the players' club, Manchester United and personal terms have also been sorted out.
All that remains are the medicals before the formal conclusion of the transfers are announced.
No-one expected Real manager Capello to act so quickly in the market, with the overall fees for all two men likely to exceed the £25million mark, the first major cash splurge since ????? controversial buyout almost two years ago.
'Real Madrid Football Club is delighted to announce it has agreed terms in principle with Manchester United for the purchase of the registrations of Fletcher and O'shea,' said a club statement.
'Personal terms have been agreed and a formal announcement will take place once the necessary administrative procedures, including medicals, have been completed.'
Fletcher has been one of the most sought-after young talents in the game since he was given the captain's armband for Scotland's World Cup Qualifying Campaign.
The Scottish teenager, who has established himself as one of the best holding midfielders in the English Premier League, has been named by national coach Alex Mcleish in a preliminary squad for this summer's Euro Qualifying Campaign.
Real have been tailing O'shea for some time but appeared to have been thwarted in their attempts to sign him when it was suggested the 24-year-old was ready to extend his stay with Man Utd after clinching the EPL title.
However, the proposed contract remained unsigned, allowing Capello to step in and snap up the Irish international.
Capello will cross his fingers and hope his new arrivals enjoy the same kind of success as the last player he signed from England, fans favourite David Beckham.
Their arrivals should certainly help the fans feel at ease, particularly if the midfielder's friend David Beckham is sold this summer as expected.
It is certainly an astute piece of business by Capello, who realises two of his main defensive rocks, Cannavaro and Emerson - while outstanding this season - are reaching the end of their careers.
With the likelihood of another big-name striker being signed, Real have signalled a statement of intent for the new campaign.
All the new arrivals will make their bows on the club's pre-season Far East tour.