Transfer rumours

The European qualifiers took place this week, with Real Madrid and Deportivo securing their places in the Champions League for another year and Villarreal pipping Atlético Madrid for the UEFA cup spot via the Intertoto. Villarreal moved immediately afterwards to tie up Peña to strengthen their defence, and Deportivo are expected to add a player or two, possibly in defence.

Barcelona, Real Madrid and Valencia all have their squads in place, although Rüstü has signed for Fenerbahce this week and rumours from England suggested that Angulo and even Figo could still move on. One man who won't be going anywhere though is Solari after Camacho brought him on for a brief period in the Champions League match, thereby making him "cup-tied" and scuppering a €6 million deal with Manchester United.

Elsewhere Málaga signed Manchester City's Paulo Wanchope, Atlético finally agreed terms for Velasco, and Celta took on Juan Sánchez, Sava and Canobbio. The transfer window closes next Tuesday, 31st August, so sides have one league match to review their position before making last minute signings. (27.08.04)