Transfer rumours

Coming in to the last week or so before the transfer window closes, and the rush is on. All eyes are on Newcastle who, having failed to sign up Michael Owen, are now targetting Deportivo's Luque. If they do manage to sign him, Caparrós may move for Wolfburg's D'Alessandro as a replacement. Owen himself has had many offers including one from Gerard Houllier's Lyon, but the England striker says he would only accept a return to Liverpool (who are reportedly offering €17 million for him) or otherwise he will stay. Portillo's move to Nantes has been put on hold until the issue is decided, but if Owen does go then the money may well be spent on either Sergio Ramos or Carvalho to strengthen the defence. Elsewhere Valencia may have to re-enter the transfer market after new signing Edu tore knee ligaments in training, an injury which will keep him out for six months or so. Oh, and we already have the first managerial casualty even before the season has started, Dmitri Piterman firing Rafa Montfort only a month or so after he took over and bringing back Chuchi Cos to replace him. (22.08.05)