Transfer rumours

As everybody no doubt knows by now, Barcelona finally decided to lend Saviola on to Sevilla, one of their biggest critics in recent months, rather than accept a reportedly better offer from their city neighbours Espanyol. It seems the thought of "El Pibito" sticking goals past them in the Nou Camp in the name of the eternal rival was too much to bear for some members of the board, but the decision has led to indignation in Montjuic and a breaking off of "diplomatic relations" between the two Catalan clubs.

Elsewhere though there was little to report in the last week or so, with the shrewder clubs holding back to wait for the end of pre-season sales, when unwanted players flood the market before the transfer window closes at the end of the month. Betis, Villarreal, Deportivo and Valencia are also likely to wait and see whether they qualify for their respective European competitions before committing themselves to further expenditure, and they too could join the late movers. (16.08.05)