Managerial moves

As usual, the first job of clubs during the close season is to get their new managers on board. So far only eight of last year's bosses are sure of keeping their names on the door, with two or three more talking of extending their contracts for another year or so.

Five changes have already been announced, with by far the biggest news being the controversial return of Louis Van Gaal at Barcelona.

There is the usual merry-go-round of managers between clubs, with Betis starting things off by announcing that they will be signing Celta's head coach Víctor Fernández. The current incumbent at Betis Juande Ramos has opted to move on to Espanyol, and Paco Flores is currently deciding whether to accept an offer from relegated Zaragoza.

Two clubs have gone European, with Raynald Denoueix moving from French club Nantes to Real Sociedad, and Germany's Ewald Lienen replacing Javier Clemente at Tenerife. (18.05.02)

Bernd Schuster is negotiating deals with Rayo Vallecano and is expected to sign for them in the next few days. (19.05.02)