Transfer rumours

As expected, Capello was given the boot this week, the third time Real Madrid have kicked out a league title winning manager. Some say Schuster is already working behind the scenes to put together a new squad, with fellow German Metzelder already signed and Saviola, Toldo and Drenthe already tied up. Wenger, Koeman and Laudrup have also been mentioned though, and we will have to wait at least until sometime next week for the new man to be confirmed.

Meanwhile Barça carrying on shopping, and they increased their spending to €42 million with the signing of Abidal. Chivu was next on the list, but Real Madrid are apparently now asking about him as well, and Adrade may be a cheaper alternative. There is also talk of a block-busting swap between Deco and Lampard, but the club say that is just bullshot (our hearing is a bit dicky).

Elsewhere Atlético Madrid are going for broke again, with Diego Forlán and Luis García joining Raúl García and Abbiati. The six million Dollar question (well, a bit more actually) is whether Fernando Torres will be on his way to Liverpool. Villarreal now have money to spend though, and they want Tamudo and/or Soldado to replace Forlán. It looks like being an interesting summer! (02.07.07)