Transfer news

We could be seeing some old faces in Spain next season. Ex Barça striker Sonny Anderson has already agreed terms to move from Lyon to Villarreal, and Claudio "Piojo" López may (or may not?) be returning to Valencia. Real Madrid and Barcelona have both been strengthening their defences with top class signings, Milito moving to the Bernabeu and Márquez to the Nou Camp. Quaresma has also been signed by the Catalans, although there is now some doubt whether Rochemback will move in part exchange. Barça need to offload a non-EU player or two now that the rules only allow three in any squad.

There could be further movements next week when Altético Madrid and Mallorca sort out their finances. Atlético are expecting a €12 million cash injection from ex president Jesús Gil and his substitute Enrique Cerezo as part of a court ruling, but in the meantime have signed Greek striker Nikolaidis and appear to have tied up Arteta. Ibagaza could follow soon, especially now that Mallorca have been unable to raise funds from local businessmen for a capital increase. Manager Gregorio Manzano is expected to confirm his move to Atlético next week now that Luis Aragonés has been ousted, and Lucas Alcaraz is tipped to take over at San Moix. (12.07.03)