Transfer rumours

With Lotina (Espanyol), Kresic (Valladolid) and Preciado (Real Murcia), all of last season's first division sides now have their new managers. The second division clubs are still not at that stage having only just finished their campaign, although newly promoted Levante have opted for Bernd Shuster and Getafe have gone for an even stranger choice, ex Real Madrid and Spain midfielder Michel, who has completed a managers' training course but so far has not been in charge of a club. It could turn out to be a brilliant move, or a complete disaster, but for a club who have never been in the top flight and who are probably favourites to go straight back down, what the heck! Numancia are still looking, and Juande Ramos could be their man. There could be another change though, Iñaki sáez reportedly set to resign as manager of Spain, with Mallorca's Luis Aragonés favourite to replace him.

The onset of the Euro 2004 tournament has slowed down many of the ongoing transactions, and some countries have given strict instructions for their players not to be distracted by such matters while the championship is going on. Real Madrid have said they will not be making any moves until their presidential elections are over on 11th July, but Camacho si still looking to tie up a couple of players, with the Portuguese starting line up his first target. Barcelona meanwhile are having no luck with Trezeguet, Davids and Ballack, and are already looking for alternatives. Giuly though could sign with them fairly soon, and Larsson is a strong possibility after his good performance in Portugal. (24.06.04)