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Spanish soccer transfer market heats up as deadline closes
31/8/2008 12:16

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.



Xinhua