Commercial lawyers have once again flocked to advise top football clubs with Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom and Slaughter and May among the law firms advising Premiership giants on the crucial transfer season.

Biggest spenders this close-season were Chelsea with the west London club splashing out £91m in transfer fees this summer, including a club record of £24m for striker Didier Drogba.