Transfer rumours

The winter transfer window opened quietly this week, with no real surprises to date. Racing Santander were the biggest movers with four transfers including veteran defender Pablo Alfaro. who shed a tear or two as he announced he would be leaving Sevilla after six years at the club. Alfaro was one of four players to leave Juande Ramos's squad, Carlitos joining an ambitious Hércules after finally accepting he couldn't compete with Saviola and cº, Gallardo moving on loan to Vitoria Guimaraes and Antonio López doing likewise to Málaga, their third signing this winter after taking on Brazilians Bovio and Gabriel.

As expected Cicinho and Cassano completed their moves to Real Madrid, and Betis registered two new forwards, Tardelli and Robert, after Oliveira accepted that he would find a club in Brazil to play for until June if he recovers from his serious injury in time. Cádiz have also signed two players, including Fernando Morán who has not played since leaving Racing, and Alavés finally freed up a place for Giovanni after Antchouet agreed to join Gallardo in Portugal. Now the holiday period is over there may be more movements in the next few days, although the only major news at the moment involves Mallorca, with Pandiani, Iván Campo and/or César in their sights after already signing Pisculichi. (06.01.06)