Transfer rumours

With under a week to go until the transfer window closes this looks like being one of the most sluggish winter markets on record. Only Valencia have made any big signings, their total spending of around €20 million making up two thirds of the overall figure. Villarreal did make a move this week though to splash out almost €5 million on River Plate's Marco Rubén, although it looks as if he will be loaned out to Recreativo until the end of the season as there is no room for him in the squad.

Elsewhere Mallorca have signed Scaloni from Lazio, and Espanyol rescued keeper Javi Ruíz from the third division to make up the numbers with Kameni away in Africa and Lafuente injured. The Catalan club may also be in the market for a striker after Tamudo broke his arm in training (maybe even Soldado?), and struggling Deportivo could well be active in the next few days after losing out on the aforementioned Marco Rubén.

Changes on the managerial front as well, Zaragoza's Ander Garitano resigning for personal reasons just ten days after taking over from Víctor Fernández, veteran coach Javier Irureta coming in instead, and Poli Ejido taking on Castro Santos after Luis César was fired. (26.01.08)