Transfer news

One of the biggest deals of the summer is in the offing, with Deportivo looking to sign Mallorca's World Cup striker Luque. Depor could finance the deal selling Makaay to the Premier League (Spurs or Sunderland) and Abreu to Cruz Azul (where he is already on loan). Turu Flores could go to Mallorca on part exchange, but that would only be to sell him on to Las Palmas in part exchange for their Spanish under-21 international Jorge. Depor's plans could be scuppered though by any one of four English clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal, who all sent scouts to Cádiz to see Luque play in the Ramón Carranza pre-season tournament.

The Ronaldo saga takes a new turn every day. After Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez announced that they were no longer interested, Inter came back with a proposed swap for Makelele and Roberto Carlos. Madrid are unlikely to let two of their best players leave though.

Other major transfer news this week include the possible return of Karpin to Real Sociedad, the loan of Real Madrid's Julio Alvarez and Dorado to Rayo Vallecano and Domoraud's move also on loan, to Espanyol, their eighth new signing this summer. The Catalans could make it nine if Uruguay's World Cup left back Darío Rodríguez agrees terms this week. (10.08.02)