After watching arch-rivals Barca walk off with an unprecedented treble of league, cup and European Cup last term, Madrid have embarked on a radical overhaul this pre-season which has seen major changes throughout the club.

At the top Florentino Perez has returned as president along with a new board and the likes of Jorge Valdano, Zinedine Zidane and Emilio Butragueno also have roles in the revamped Madrid, while Manuel Pellegrini has been installed as coach.

It is the changes that are being made to the squad that is attracting almost all the attention, though, with Madrid returning to the 'galacticos' policy of signing superstars for record-breaking fees that Perez presided over during his first tenure.

Kaka was the club's first signing this summer at a cost reportedly in the region of £59million, while Valencia centre-back Raul Albiol was snapped up on Thursday, with the fee said to be around £13million.

Madrid have now also completed the world-record £80million swoop for Cristiano Ronaldo, after announcing late last night that they had finalised the transfer with Manchester United.

The nine-time European champions are unlikely to stop at those three signings either, with a host of players being linked to the club every day in the media.

It promises to be an interesting time at the Bernabeu next season, and far from being concerned by Madrid's massive investment, Xavi believes it is a positive thing.

"It is good for Real Madrid, for the level of the league and even for Barcelona, as it will demand even more from us," Xavi told Marca.

One player who Madrid have been heavily linked to that Xavi hopes does not end up at the Bernabeu, though, is Valencia hitman David Villa.

Villa has also attracted the attention of Barca and Xavi is keeping his fingers crossed that his Spain team-mate ends up at the Nou Camp.

"I would be delighted if he came, it would be great to also play alongside him there (at Barca)," added Xavi, who is currently with Villa in South Africa on international duty at the Confederations Cup.