Transfer rumours

Only ten days or so to go before the transfer window closes, and Barcelona have still not got their new men. Frank Rijkaard's side have been looking for a midfielder and a striker, and although it now looks as if Albertini will be filling the former spot, the latter is still an uncertainty. Udinese's Iaquinta could still fill the vacany if the clubs can agree terms, but otherwise there are three or four names as alternatives, in particular River Plate's Maxi López. Real Madrid meanwhile have filled their winter spots and are already planning for the summer. If reports are to be believed, Luxemburgo wants to bring in almost the entire Brazilian team, but Sacchi will be trying to persuade him to look closer to home, especially with non-EU spots at a premium.

Other than that though there have still not been too many signings, with Tote's move to Málaga perhaps the only biggish transfer of the week (although Sevilla may have snapped up another bargain with the signing of Brazilian youth international Adriano Correia). There should be more movements in the next few days though, with (amongst others) Deportivo, Atlético and Betis all positioning themselves for new signings. (21.01.05)