Four of the clubs mentioned in the report categorically denied Friday's report in the French newspaper, while and Barcelona and Real Madrid said they would be ready to take legal action to protect their reputation.

A statement on Real Madrid's website denied any link with Fuentes.

The club said that it "denies firmly any direct or indirect link between the club's medical services and Dr. Eufemiano Fuentes."

Real added that "in its 104-year history Real Madrid has distinguished itself through exemplary dedication to and exaltation of human values and the defence of fair play."

The nine-times European champions said they would take "opportune" and appropriate legal action to protect the club's reputation and the interests of its members and fans.

Their Brazilian striker Ronaldo said after a training session that he would be ready to undergo any test.

"We're available for any doping tests, including the random tests that are carried out by the federation, UEFA or whoever," said Ronaldo, who scored two goals in Real's 2-2 Champions League draw away to Dynamo Kiev.

Barcelona, who are also the European champions, said on its website: "FC Barcelona categorically denies the information published by French paper Le Monde regarding a supposed and non-existent use of the services of Dr. Eufemiano Fuentes at the club and a supposed and non-existent link with (the club's) preparation plans for the past season.

"FC Barcelona further reserves the right to take the legal action it judges appropriate in defence of its interests."

Two other first division clubs named, Real Betis and Valencia, also issued denials.

Betis likewise issued a strong denial through the head of their medical services, Tomas Calero. "I can only categorically deny any kind of meeting (between Dr. Fuentes) and Real Betis, and indeed with myself," Calero said.

"And I absolutely doubt any Betis player had any personal recourse" to the doctor's services, Calero added.

A Valencia spokesman said he could rule out "firmly that the club ever had any kind of relationship with Dr. Eufemiano Fuentes."

Le Monde's edition dated Friday named the four clubs as using Fuentes, who is caught up in a huge blood doping scandal which has rocked cycling and embroiled top cyclists like Ivan Basso and Jan Ullrich.