Transfer rumours

OK, we're not going to talk about Patrick Vieira or Samuel Eto'o this time around. One thing's for sure though (as they say), it isn't over until the fat lady sings, and she hasn't even arrived at the opera house yet. However another of the summer's long running soaps has ended with both Movilla and Javi Moreno agreeing to move to Zaragoza, and Atlético are expected to be active in the next few days to replace them.

But what's happening on the rest of the planet? Well, lots of things. The three newly promoted sides for example are fighting to put together competitive squads within their limited budgets, and are hoping to pick up bargains from the youngsters and sundry cast-offs of the big clubs. After Numancia took Barcelona's Ros and Atlético's Toché on loan, Getafe were on the point of signing Spanish under 19 international Raúl Albiol from Valencia. However the talented midfielder was seriously injured in a car crash on his way with his father to sign the contract. Getafe did the decent thing though, and signed him on even though it may be a long while before he recovers.

Of the three clubs, Levante are perhaps the best off financially, and after strengthening the defence with Harte and Mjallby, new manager Bernd Schuster is looking for an experienced striker. Rumours that they want to sign Newcastle's Alan Shearer or Roma's Delvecchio must be treated with a certain scepticism though, even if they did once have Johan Cruyff on their books. (08.08.04)