Mid-season transfers

The winter transfer window closed last Thursday evening with no last minute surprises.The big rumour in the last couple of days was that Mendieta would be moving on loan to Athletic Bilbao, but in the end the Lazio management refused to let him go. The Basque midfielder has not settled down over in Italy, and needs to get his confidence back before this summer's World Cup. A couple of late signings in the first division during the week, with Alavés replacing Christopher Kanu with Gustavo Lombardi, and Tenerife signing Mustafá to take the place of Pier. Rayo agreed terms with Racing's Vivar Dorado, and Urbano finally moves on from the Madrid club to join Poli Ejido, where he will be playing with the ex Rayo midfielder Poschner and Depor's on-loan young striker Changui. In all the Andalucian club have signed eight new players this winter. (01.02.02)