Atletico's deal for Leal collapses

Atletico Madrid's transfer of Benfica teenager Hugo Leal has collapsed after the Portuguese authorities ruled the 19 year old midfielder was still bound by his contract to Lisbon giants Benfica.

Leal is the top young star in Portugal and Atletico are prepared to off load Brazilian Juninho after signing the player who has been in pre season training in the Spanish capital.

The Portuguese Football Federation ruled today that Leal's contract had not been rescinded and was due to run out in July next summer stopping the necessary paperwork to complete the move. Leal had signed an eight year contract with Atletico earlier in the month but now faces a forced return to Benfica in another of this close season's increasingly common transfer controversies. Benfica have already spent part of the money earned by the sale of Leal on Norwegian striker Sigurd Rushfeldt but selling club Rosenborg claimed last night that hey had not received the full £3.5 million fee agreed and wanted their man to return to Trondheim. The Portuguese say the deal has been completed.