Transfer news

Without doubt the transfer news of the week was Makelele's possible move to Chelsea. The Real Madrid midfielder has been unhappy about being one of the lowest paid members of the squad, and having seen requests for an increase turned down, was very interested in an offer from the London club which would greatly improve his earnings. However his refusal to turn up for training did not go down well in the Bernabeu, and the French international has been cautioned by the club and told he will not be allowed to leave. Many sources blame Makelele's agent, who is reportedly having problems with the taxman and who needs a quick source of income. But although Chelsea have distanced themselves from the deal, nothing will be certain until the transfer window closes in two weeks time.

Chelsea have been in the news as well in Spain for other reasons. Unsettled strikers Hasselbaink and Forsell have both been linked with Spanish clubs, and Eto'o, Morientes and Mendieta have all been rumoured to be going the other way. The Londoners' new president Abrahamovic is not the only big spender to hit the headlines though. Spain's second division side Leganés, recently relegated but reinstated after Compostela went down for financial reasons, have a new owner who is hoping to take the Madrid based outfit into the big time. Argentine businessman Daniel Grimback has just bought the club and has brought in a complete new team from his home country, including sporting director Peckerman (ex manager of the successful youth international sides), manager Carlos Aimar and around a dozen or so top players. A new force to be reckoned with? (17.08.03)