Transfer rumours

The comings and goings at Real Madrid filled the headlines almost every day in the last week as Luxemburgo puts together his new squad. The Brazilian manager's fellow countrymen Baptista and Robinho both agreed terms to sign within 24 hours of each other, the Sevilla midfielder joining with immediate effect and the Santos forward expected to transfer to Spain during the last week of August. They will take over the non-EU spots from Samuel, who moved to Inter Milan for a reported fee of €16 million this week, and Roberto Carlos, who was granted a Spanish passport only a couple of days ago. Later in the week Figo also decided reluctantly to move to Inter Milan after it was made clear that Florentino's first "galactico" was not going to feature much in Luxe's plans, and Michael Owen is expected to be the next to abandon ship after he too didn't see much chance of first team football next season. The England striker has been in talks with three or four Premier League clubs as well as Olympique Lyon, but it will be a shame to see him leave after such a brief spell with us here in Spain. Maybe one of La Liga teams who are currently looking for a striker (including Deportivo, Espanyol, Sevilla and Zaragoza) could be presuaded to maka a move for him? Any takers? (06.08.05)