Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon promised late on Thursday night that his club was close to signing players to strengthen the first team squad in the New Year as well as bringing in new faces next summer.

A series of injuries, especially in attack, where Ruud Van Nistelrooy is out for the season, have highlighted a lack of depth in Real Madrid's squad.

Ramon Calderon flashes a victory sign as he celebrates after declaring himself the winner of Real Madrid soccer club's presidential election in Madrid July 2, 2006. Calderon promised late on Thursday night that his club was close to signing players to strengthen the first team squad in the New Year as well as bringing in new faces next summer. (Xinhua/Reuters file)

The club never signed a replacement for Robinho when he left for Manchester City at the end of the summer and with Roberto Soldado also leaving for Getafe, the club now lacks options in attack.

Speaking on Radio Marca, Calderon said the club was now working to resolve that problem.

"They will be two or three important footballers, who will excite the fans. We won't have any problems presenting them in June," said Calderon.

However, while promising new players for next season, Calderon added that the club was also working on strengthening the squad for the current campaign.

"I am told that they will be two young players with the ability to help us and that they will be able to play in the Champions League," he said, before expressing his confidence in the players already at the club and in coach Bernd Schuster.

"We have a very good squad and a great coach. The current and future project at Real Madrid is in the hands of Bernd Schuster," said Calderon.

(Xinhua News Agency November 29, 2008)