Transfer rumours

The transfer window opened yesterday in Spain, but more with a fizzle than a bang. There were no surprise signings, and only a few players have actually moved so far. Real Murcia registered three new players, Bonano, Hurtado and Gancedo, Villarreal included Battaglia in their squad and Espanyol have signed on Pochettino after several other options fell through. There were a few more movements in the second division, but only the transfers of Galca, Pachón, Iván Ania and Jusué have attracted any interest. There will be a couple of faces missing for the second half of the season though, with Javi Moreno accepting a loan move to Bolton, Patrik Andersson returning to Malmoe and Bastia going back to Argentina. Clubs have another month to sign on players though, and several are waiting to see how they fare in the new year before deciding whether to add to their squads. (03.01.04)