Real Madrid announced today that their £220million summer spending spree is over, paving the way for Chelsea to make one final push to sign Franck Ribery.

The Spanish club see the £30m deal for midfielder Xabi Alonso, who was having a medical today ahead of his move from Liverpool, as the final piece in the Bernabeu jigsaw.

After splashing out on Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema, Real's decision to stop spending is good news for Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti, who now has a clear path to go for Ribery.

Manchester United have seemingly cooled their interest in the attacking midfielder but Chelsea have continued to hold back on a bid for the Bayern Munich star as they feared Real Madrid would gazump them.

Ribery had said Madrid were the only club he'd move to, but he appears unhappy at Munich and could not be persuaded to crack a smile as he helped unveil the club's new kit this week.

The German side's official position now is that he can move for the exorbitant price of £85m, though it now appears down to the London club to see if that price is negotiable.

Ribery's arrival would be particularly welcome at Stamford Bridge in light of the news that Saloman Kalou could be on the verge of a move to Arsenal.