The winter transfer period has now opened and the first signings have been registered. Esnaider has signed for Zaragoza from Juventus and he will play this weekend. Japanese international Nishizawa will be given more time to prove himself before any decision is made. Racing have signed striker Javier Mazzoni from Lausanne and Celta are close to signing defender Berizzo from River Plate. Fabio Aurelio has been registered for the Valencia squad in place of Amarilla, and Burgos will replace Roa at Mallorca in the next few days. Otherwise there are hundreds of rumours, as always at this time of year. Clubs have until the end of January to make new signings. (15.12.00)