Transfer news

At last we have the final confirmation of the closure date for the summer transfer window, next Monday 2nd September at 20:00 hours. This applies to the first second A and second B divisions. It is difficult to believe for people from civilized countries that this was not fixed a long time ago but, well this is Spain and....mañana. Expect a mad rush as the news spreads and a long list of last minute transfers take place. Why? Clubs waiting until the last minute for prices to drop, players who can't make their mind up etc. Like we said, this is Spain.

Even more pressing though is the deadline of 30th August for registering Champions League and UEFA squads. Deportivo president Lendoiro has been having some fun recently suggesting mega-deals which could take place before then, including a straight swap between Kily González and Makaay, and an even bigger deal involving Ronaldinho, Diego Tristán and god knows who else. That last rumour came after a big boozy dinner last Saturday night, so take it as it comes. Meanwhile the Luque deal is still not signed, and time is running out.

Elsewhere Barcelona have said they will not be signing Hasselbaink or anyone else, and Real Madrid have a last chance to tie up Ronaldo on Friday when their president meets his Inter Milan counterpart in Monaco. Two of Argentina's finest keepers, Roa and Nacho González have agreed terms to play for second division teams Albacete and Murcia respectively, and Roa's ex team mate Engonga has joined Oviedo. Oh, and Iván De la Peña has all but signed for Espanyol, forcing Alex Fernández to pack his bags and move to Santander. Is that really wise? (28.08.02)