Transfer rumours

A few movements this week, but still the market is slow. As expected Barcelona signed Celta's Pinto to replace the injured Jorquera to the end of the season, the veteran keeper insisting that the club take out a two year buy-out option at the end. Celta themselves took on Getafe's Luis García, who had to move after Ustari agreed to stay as shadow to Abbondanzieri. Koeman signed fellow countryman Maduro as the guy to replace Albelda at Valencia, and Paunovic returns to La Liga, joining Almería from Russian side Rubin Kazan.

Elsewhere Real Sociedad coach Chris Coleman finally decided to call it a day after the technical director who signed him was fired by the new club president (Coleman gentlemanly turned down any claim for severance pay), and a replacement manager will be named in the next few days. Fran Mérida and Martí have already been brought in to strengthen the squad, and more signings are expected before the transfer window closes at the end of this month. (19.01.08)