Transfer news

Only just over a week to go, and things are starting to hot up as sides look for those cheap end-of-sale bargains. Most of the main signings have been made already though, and although there are reports of big names changing clubs, it is unlikely there will be too many surprises. If that is the case, Barcelona's signing of Edgar Davids seems to be the star move, at least as far as the media are concerned. Celta's Pinilla may turn out to be a shrewd buy though, his two goals on his midweek debut a promising start, and Mallorca's signing of Delibasic was a surprise. Real Madrid appear have decided to make do with what they have got, despite countless rumours of big name transfers both in and out, and only Espanyol are likely to make late signings, although having already tried and failed to tie up a dozen or so strikers, time seems to be running out on them. Finally welcome back to two old faces, John Toshack and Víctor Muñoz returning to take over from Joaquín Peiró and Paco Flores at Real Murcia and Zaragoza respectively. Both will have their work cut out though, as their two new sides are currently down in the relegation zone. (24.01.04)