Real Madrid and Atletico given boost as transfer deadline extended

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will have more time to stock up on players ahead of their transfer ban as La Liga has extended the deadline for the current window by 24 hours.

The capital clubs are able to purchase players in the January window, but will not be allowed to register anyone for the following two transfer periods, having been handed a ban by Fifa after they were found to have breached rules on the signing of youth players.

The two sides are expected to add fresh faces this month in order to boost their chances of success throughout their transfer ban in case their appeals are denied.

The original deadline in Spain was 23.59 CET on January 31, but a statement released by the league on Monday confirmed the change.

"La Liga reports on the change in the closing date of the second registration period of players for the 2015/2016," the statement read.

"The application for licenses of players for the Liga BBVA and Liga Adelante will end next Monday, February 1 at 23:59, thus coinciding with the time limit set in most European professional leagues."

La Liga's date now matches that of the Premier League, Serie A and Ligue 1, while Bundesliga clubs can conduct business until February 2.

The Spanish window closing earlier than other countries' caused controversy last summer when Real Madrid failed to sign David De Gea from Manchester United because the paperwork was not processed on>