Madrid reward Ramos and Soldado

Real Madrid CF's summer business has continued apace with Spanish internationals Sergio Ramos and Roberto Soldado both earning new contracts.

'Hard work'
Ramos, 21, was a key man in the club's Primera División triumph last season, playing 33 games, and has been rewarded with a new deal that takes him up to June 2013. In confirming the "improved and extended contract", Madrid said the centre-back, who signed from Sevilla FC in August 2005, was being rewarded for "his hard work and dedication". Already capped 24 times by his country, Ramos is a proven performer who can also play at right-back and is a threat going forwards.

Goals galore
Soldado, who first arrived at Madrid aged 14, initially showed prolific form for the club's B team, Real Madrid Castilla. After scoring 19 goals in 29 matches for the second division outfit in 2005/06, the striker earned a loan to CA Osasuna last season. The goals continued to flow with eleven in 30 league outings, while he also played his part in the run to the UEFA Cup semi-finals. Unsurprisingly that form has seen Madrid offer Soldado a deal until summer 2012 that left him "very happy" and eager to "take advantage of this great opportunity".

More signings
With defensive recruits Christoph Metzelder and Pepe arriving this week along with new coach Bernd Schuster at the Santiago Bernabéu, the emphasis appeared to have switched to securing the club's young talent. However, Madrid are expected to conclude further forays in the transfer market with free transfer moves for Jerzy Dudek, the Liverpool FC goalkeeper, and Javier Saviola, the Argentina forward who recently left FC Barcelona.