Transfer news

Valencia and Betis were in the news this week after making their first moves on the transfer market. Valencia's fans were underwhelmed though by the signing of Canobbio and Oliveira, to such an extent that only 35 turned up for the presentation! The club said that they still expect big things from both. Betis have also signed a player unknown in Spain, Lembo, but also moved to tie up ex Málaga keeper Contreras and Real Madrid's unwanted striker Tote. Madrid also off-loaded Flavio Conceiçao to Borussia Dortmund this week, but still have a few more players they want to move on before the transfer deadline at the end of this month.

Two of Argentina's top names who have failed to make the grade may well be moving back home, for now at least. Boca Juniors and Rosario Central have provisionally registered Riquelme and Palermo respectively for the new league season, although so far neither has agreed terms to move and both want to stay in Europe. One man who is coming back though is Juan Eduardo Esnaider, who was actually contemplating retirement but has signed for newly promoted Real Murcia. (02.08.03)