Transfer rumours

A quiet few days in the transfer market as teams get down to pre-season training, but still rumours are flying around about the big clubs. Real Madrid are still looking for the elusive "number 4", and although Vieira and Emerson are still in the running, the announcement by Real Sociedad that they need to sell to balance their books means that the Xabi Alonso option may be back on. Meanwhile it seems that Camacho has finally presuaded Morientes to stay on, which means that Portillo will probably have to move. Barcelona's problem is still the number 9 shirt, and as reported last week two or three names have been mooted. It seems though that Rijkaard thinks that a central defender is more important, and as Milito can't be prised away easily from Zaragoza it seems that Edmilson is the new target. With Ronaldinho, Belletti, Sylvinho, Motta and Deco already on the books, that would make a lot of Brazilians for the side already nicknamed "the Samba team" by the fans. After last weekend's "Copa de America" result, we are not surprised that Saviola is thinking of moving on! (27.07.04)