“The most expensive players, the Zidanes, Figos and Kakas, are the ones who increase ticket sales, and this is something we saw in my first spell here,” said Perez.

“There are other players, technically good ones who are important for the team, but they do not have the same effect on ticket sales and merchandising.”

Perez also admitted Real would have to sell before they can bring in any further additions given the now bloated size of their playing staff.

“We have the absurd number of 29 players in our first team squad, and we can only register 25 for the league,” he added.

“It has been more difficult than we expected encouraging players to look at other options. At this moment, I think for a player to arrive, at least one would have to leave. It has to be one in, one out for us at the moment.”

Real remain keen on Alvaro Arbeloa, and are preparing a bid believed to be in the region of £4.5m for the right-back.

Another Liverpool full-back, Andrea Dossena, could also soon be on his way out of Anfield with the player’s agent claiming Napoli are in talks to sign the 27-year-old.

“It’s a deal the two clubs are sorting out, we’re waiting for news,” said Dossena’s representative, Federico Pasorello.

“Although he loves being at a great club like Liverpool, he would welcome the opportunity to join Napoli with great enthusiasm.”

A possible stumbling block is Liverpool’s desire to reclaim as much of the £7million they spent to bring Dossena from Udinese last season.

“We want to close the deal, we will reach an agreement,” added Pastorello. “Napoli’s offer is five million euros (£4.3m) plus bonuses.”

Meanwhile, Espanyol have agreed to release former Liverpool defender Steve Finnan from the year left on his contract. The 33-year-old full back has suffered a string of injury problems since moving to Spain 11 months ago.