Premier League club's paid agents 66million pounds in fees for the 2007/08 season, reports the Daily Telegraph. Accountants Deloitte estimate that middlemen received around 10% of Premier league gross transfer spending, which increased by 35% to £664m. Football League clubs paid agents a further £11m.

FIFA has also revealed that just a quarter of transfers are being carried out by licensed dealers. The majority of transfer deals involve intermediaries, lawyers or family members.

Meanwhile, player wages exceeded £1billion for the first time.

The so called 'top four', footed the largest wage bills, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Chelsea were the biggest payers with a £172m wage bill, £51m more than second placed Manchester United.