Transfer rumours

The tightening of the non-EU foreigners rule is starting to cause some problems for Spanish managers. The maximum number of players in the 25 man squads from outside of the European Union has been reduced from four to three this season, and clubs are having to adjust their plans accordingly. Barcelona already have Ronaldinho, Saviola, Márquez and Rüstü from last season, and although Saviola should get his Italian passport soon and Rüstü will be moving on, the signing of Brazilians Sylvinho and possibly Luis Fabiano creats a new problem. Barça are saying that Sylvinho will only be taken on if his Spanish passport comes through before the start of the season, but the diplomatic procedures cannot be rushed, and they could have a case of overbooking on their hands at the end of next month. Meanwhile Atlético Madrid's new manager César Ferrando has a similar problem, and although he wants to hang on to Paunovic, he may have to let him go if Eto'o or Milosevic join them. The rule is only going to get stricter though in future seasons, and the queue for the passport offices of Europe is only going to get longer. (10.07.04)