With the transfer window due to close on Monday night, the teams of Spain's
Primera Liga have been working hard to complete last-minute deals to complete
their soccer squads.
While most attention has been focused on whether or not Robson Da Souza
Robinho will leave Real Madrid for Chelsea, the action has been taking place
elsewhere, with Betis among the big spenders.
They have spent 9 million euros (13.2 million U.S. dollars) on Boca Junors
left back Luciano Monzon and are negotiating a loan deal for Mexican striker
Neri Castilo.
Espanyol have sold left winger Alvert Riera to Liverpool and defender Pablo
Zabaleta to Manchester City and are working hard to cover the loss of the two
important players.
They are close to right back Nicolas Pareja and attacking midfielder Nene.
"We will present two new players on Monday," Espanyol Director of Sport Paco
Herrera told Marca on Saturday.
Racing Santander have loaned Polish international striker Euzebiusz Smolarek
to English side Bolton Wanders and have covered his departure with the arrival
of Portuguese Under-21 forward Vaz Te, also on loan.
Newly promoted Numancia looked to the Second Division to strengthen their
squad, paying 300,000 euros (440,000 dollars) for Eibar striker Asier Goira.
Eibar have reacted by securing the loanof Athletic Bilbao midfielder Roberto
Martinez "Tiko."
Malaga meanwhile are looking to complete the signing of former Spain
international Albert Luque from Ajax, while Athletic Bilbao aim to buy young
defender Mikel Balenziaga from near neighbors Real Sociedad.
With two days remaining for the clubs to complete their squads, there is
likely to be more activity on Sunday and Monday.