Cant believe we have an Atletico forum now.

I thought we could start a tranfer rumours thread.

So any transfer rumours can go in here.

Any transfer rumours involving the club can go in here.

I believe Jorge Larena is on his way back to Celta. The two clubs have agreed to send him back.

Aguirre is still hell bent on signing Raul Garcia, but it looks almost impossible. Osasuna have constantly pointed to the buy out clause as the only way to pry him away. 22 million euros is just too much for Atleti right now.

Aguirre then set his sights on German midfielder Tim Borowski, but after the world cup his price has gone far too high.

The other intense negotiation involves Ludovic Delporte, Osasuna's excellent winger. This seems to point to an eventual sale of Martin Petrov, but it hasn't been confirmed.

There is always the Aimar option...

Also, the club is desperately looking to make some cash with Ariel Ibagaza. The Argentine rejected a move to greek club AEK, saying he will only play in Spain or Argentina. A return to Mallorca may be an interesting solution...

I don't see Aimar as an otion tbh for two reasons, one I see Zaragoza snapping him up. And two I don't think Aguirre wants him. With Osasuna he played a 4-4-2 with a defensive midfielder, an offencive central midfielder and two pacy wingers. Aimar fits none of these roles, whereas say Raul Garcia does, as does Delloprte. Oh yea and I believe Jorge Larena has already gone. Similarly I think Ibagaza has left on a free transfer., though I could be thinking of someone else. I know there was a rumour that Atleti were going to make a 10 million pound bid for Garcia and throw in three players, Ibagaza more than likely being one of them.

Oh yea wasn't Aguirre in Pamplona a few days ago? That points to me that negoiations are in a pretty advanced stage.

Fiorentina appear to have lost star striker Luca Toni after their relegation. They wanted Mateja Kezman as a replacement but Aguirre has blocked the deal stating that Kezman is the only real 'box striker'.

The Ze Roberto link has died down. He now claims (and I say claims ) that Barca are interested in him.

David Suazo, formerly linked with Atleti now looks to be going to Sevilla, however Atleti do not really need him, having Aguero, Torres, Kezman and Maxi all capable of playing the striker role.

On the subject of Kezman, this report shows how he Atletico recently turned down a request from Lokomotiv Moscow for the Serbian striker:

Atletico Madrid coach Javier Aguirre won't consider selling striker Mateja Kezman.

The Serbia & Montenegro international was the subject of an approach from Lokomotiv Moscow yesterday, but Atletico gave the enquiry short shrift.

"Javier has great faith in him," admitted Atletico chief Miguel Angel Gil Marin.

Along with Lokomotiv, Atletico have resisted offers from Benfica, Fiorentina and SV Hamburg for ex-Chelsea striker Kezman.

It seems as though Ludo Delporte really wants a move to Atleti. He has stated that he would love the move and that Osasuna should accept Atletico's bid. IMO this would be a good move, Delporte is a fantastic winger and Aguirre is famous for his rotation tactics. It is likely that Petrov will stay, it has been stated that Petrov will only leave if a 'super bid' comes in.

He sounds like a very good player and one that I for one would definately like to see along with his Osasuna teammate Raúl Garcia. I believe Delporte is a very adaptable player and can play on either flack and also at full-back. I wouldn't want to see Aguirre spend more than around €3-4 on him though, as he will generally just be a back-up player.

On the subject of Raul Garcia, has anyone heard any news? Aguirre is surely referring to him here:



Either way, Garcia is probably the missing piece in the 8 signings jigsaw (sorry), but i'm sure that Aguirre will do his upmost to land him. I would be happy to splash all the remaning budget on him, and if it means selling the likes of Luccin, Kezman etc. then let it be. As a long term investment they won't come much better than Raul Garcia.

Velasco Waits for Bolton Offer
from tribalfootball.com:

Atletico Madrid fullback Juan Velasco hopes to learn today about news of a move to Bolton Wanderers.

Velasco's agent is in the Northwest for talks with Bolton about the defender, who has been told he can leave Atletico by coach Javier Aguirre.

If Bolton make a contract offer to Velasco, he is expected to gain a release from his Atletico deal and move to the Premiership on a free transfer.

As far as I know Velasco has also recieved an offer from Espanyol btw. He is a decent right back imo, but with Seitaridis and Molinero, there is little need for him.

It doesn't look like we're going to get a transfer fee for him, but that's yet another off the wage bill, which is doing wonders for the clubs finances.

Here's a story I enjoyed reading this morning:



Atletico Stand Firm Over Torres

Atletico Madrid have moved quickly to deny the latest link between Manchester United and Fernando Torres - insisting they would not sell him for 'all the money in the world'.

English reports suggested that Sir Alex Ferguson was ready to bid in excess of £20 million for the Spanish striker - who had a sensational World Cup finals scoring three goals.

With Ruud van Nistelrooy preparing to leave Old Trafford, resources are not an issue for The Red Devils - and Ferguson was ready to test Atletico's resolve.

However, the capital club have always maintained a strong stance over their young skipper and it would seem they intend to fend off any interest and keep him at The Vincente Calderon for at least another season.

"I do not speak about the rumours in the press, but I would reiterate that Fernando Torres is not for sale," Atletico director general Miguel Angel Gil told skysports.com.

"Not for all the money in the world."

Newly appointed coach Javier Aguirre is indeed relishing the prospect of working with Torres.

"The club has told me that El Nino play this season with us," he said.

"I am preparing all our schemes with his presence in Atletico."

If Manchester United want him they will have to pay the buyout clause witch is somthing like £40 Milllion.

Atletico Madrid defender Juan Velasco is being tipped to seal a switch to Bolton.

The 29-year-old was a regular last term, but it is believed new coach Javier Aguirre is looking at other options at right back.

The Spanish international has one-year left on his contract with The Rojiblancos, but it seems Velasco is confident he can come to agreement with the club which will enable him to leave on a free transfer.

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce is no stranger to the Spanish market and his contacts will once again have briefed him fully about Velasco.

The defender, who has previous experience with Sevilla and Celta Vigo, is hoping to sort out his future within the next week.

Meanwhile, reported Bolton target Leandro Gioda admits he could be tempted by a move to England.

The highly-rated Lanus central defender was linked with Bolton earlier this week and although Independiente appear close to capturing him - the 22-year-old admits he would like a switch to The Premiership or Die Bundesliga.

"I would like to play in Germany or in England as it would suit my style of play," he said.



I dont think we realy need him any more because we have Molinero and Seitaridis in that position.

Yeah, I expect Seitaridis to start the majority of games this season, but if he falls foul of injury or suspension then Molinero is there to step right in and replace him. Juan Velsco wouldn't have got many games so it's probabl best that we get him off the wage bill and out of the squad. He's certainly not going to improve as a player and would most likely have rotted in the reserves.

Who would you pick at left-back though? Antonio Lopez or Pernia?

Thats a tough one.

Lopez is better defensively and was one of are best players last season.

Pernia is better at getting forward and can score lots of goals for a fullback and also had a great season for Getafe.

Pernia started infront of Lopez for Spain at the World Cup but at the start of next season id still probably play Lopez because he hasent done anything to warrant being droped.

Aguirre is well known to rotate players, and that is what I believe he will do with Lopez and Pernia. He may also use one or the other on the lest wing. Personally I believe it depends on the opposition, if the opponent is very attacking I would play Lopez as I believe he is better defensively, though I believe Pernia is the better going forward (10 goals last season) and so would play him against the defensively weaker sides.

I agree with both of you who state that Lopez is better Defensively and Pernia offensively. However, I can't see Pernia scoring anywhere near that tally this season, as many of his goals fro Getafe were 25-30 yard strikes that he will brilliantly to reproduce consistently this season. I can't see either of them playing on the left wing either as Martin Petrov is seemingly favoured by Aguirre, and his consistency should good him that position all season, assuming his body can take it. I for one, hope that is the case, as he now has a great chance to produce the form that brought him to Spain in the first place.

As far as I can see, they will both be vying for the left full-back slot. With the attacking nature of Seitaridis on the right (who I predict will start), I believe Aguirre would prefer the defensive nature of Antonio Lopez on the left flank to provide cover when Giorkas is scampering up the right. Pernia may get the odd game when Lopez is rested and Aguirre wants to rotate and fill in elsewhere when required. I wouldn't say he had a place guaranteed though, and with Lopez such a strong player in his preferred position, his signing was certainly a surprise for me. How many clubs can boast the top two players in their country in any one position, playing for the same team?

All this is just guesswork obviously, and even the slightest change could make it all turnaround soon enough.

Torres casts doubt over Atletico future

MADRID, July 17 (Reuters) - The future of Spain striker Fernando Torres at Atletico Madrid remains uncertain, the club's coach Javier Aguirre said.

'I've spoken to Fernando and he hasn't been able to guarantee his presence in the team in the forthcoming season,' Aguirre was quoted as saying in sports daily Marca on Monday.

'The market is still open and a lot of things can happen, but it is clear that every day that passes is one day less for something to occur. What I want to make clear, though, is that Fernando has a great commitment to the club.'

Spanish and English media have reported that Manchester United are prepared to make a bid for the 22-year-old international who was one of Spain's most impressive performers at the World Cup. The former youth team player has become the talisman at Atletico ever since making his debut as a 17-year-old when the club was in the second division.

He has been the top scorer in each of the last four seasons and is a fixture in the national side. He scored three goals at the World Cup. Torres has been linked with Newcastle United, Barcelona, AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur over the course of the last two seasons.

Atletico, who finished 12th in the Primera Liga last season, appear to have good back-up coverage up front if Torres does leave the club. They paid a club record fee of close to $28 million for Argentine teenager Sergio Aguero in May, while his compatriot Maxi Rodriguez and Serbia striker Mateja Kezman are also in the squad.

Kezman, who had a disappointing first season at Atletico and scored just eight league goals, told the club's website that he is determined to stay put.

'I know there have been offers for me because a lot of coaches have rung me,' said Kezman. 'But I have always said that I want to stay here. The fans haven't seen the best of Kezman.

'It's a new season, we've got new hopes and dreams, a new coach and a lot of players. This is a big club with big ambitions.'

Source: ESPN Soccernet

---------------------------------------------------------

It's vital for Torres to stay now, imo. He's a forward who can create a lot and finish outstandingly on his day, and with support like that and a solid defensive line he'll be able to flourish. It's also vital for Atleti to keep him imo and letting him go, whilst probably accumulating a massive fee for him, probably wouldn't be worth it now. They keep him for how long, now when they have such a great squad they sell him?

As for Kezman, who does he think he's kidding. A lot of coaches have rung me, he must have forgot to mention that they were from second division sides. Doesn't impress me, at all.

Well contrary to the piece from Marca, BBC Sport have reported this morning:


Torres intends to stay in Madrid

Atletico Madrid's Fernando Torres is unlikely to be joining Manchester United, according to his agent.

The Spain striker, 22, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is expected to leave for Real Madrid this summer.

But Torres' representative Antonio Sanz said: "The player's intention is to remain at Atletico Madrid.

"Neither us, nor the club, has received an offer from Manchester United, or any other clubs for that matter."

Torres has been the top scorer in each of the last four seasons in La Liga and is a regular fixture in the Spanish national side.

Atletico are keen to keep their talisman who caught the eye with his impressive performances and three goals during the World Cup.

Sanz added: "On 21 July, Torres will join Atletico Madrid for pre-season training.

"Torres has two years left on his contract with Atletico and then we will see what happens.

"After the World Cup, there has been interest from Italian clubs but not from English clubs, and there hasn't been anything concrete."

Doubts were raised on the forward's future when Atletico coach Javier Aguirre told Spanish newspaper Marca that Torres' destiny at the club remains uncertain.

He said: "I've spoken to Fernando and he hasn't been able to guarantee his presence in the team in the forthcoming season.

"The market is still open and a lot of things can happen, but it is clear that every day that passes is one day less for something to occur.

"What I want to make clear, though, is that Fernando has a great commitment to the club."

_________________________________


This is from a generally extremely reliable source, certainly more so than Marca, and the line in bold is that which really settled my nerves. A real quote from his agent (I would've preferred it from Nando himself!) stating that he is happy at the club. As long as he is happy I can't envisage him leaving until his contract has expired, and depending on teamperformance, maybe longer.

As for Kezman, after seeing him in the Premiership for a year, he looked a poor striker, even after bagging loads in the Eredivisie. However, Forlan looked even worse at United and we all know what he did when he moved to Villarreal, so who knows if Kezman can do the same. I somehow doubt he will.

I don't tend to particularly trust agent's comments for some reason. That being said, Torres must be looking at next season with a new zest after all the signings, maybe even jealousy. After all, Sergio Aguero could overtake him as the club's talisman

I don't think Kezman is quality at any level, and his goals in the Eredivisie were a one off. I don't see how he can fail so horribly at Chelsea (with the team he had around him), then come to Atleti and score so little goals anyway. I expect much of Aguero in comparison to what I think Mateja will do, then again, having said that, he'll now proceed to score 20+ goals this season.

I've got a feeling that Aguirre will use Aguero extremely sparingly this season, limiting him to the odd start and substitute appearence late in the game. I feel Kezman will start more games with Torres than Aguero will, and Petrove and Maxi will also support the pair on occasions. Aguirre is a clever man and a very good man manager. He brought many players through the ranks at Getafe, and will no doubt do the same at Atletico. Looking after a worldclass prodigy like Kun at such a young age must be quite high on his priorities though. I can't see him playing a full part in a La Liga season until maybe 08/09.

As a result i'd like to see another striker signed before the start of the upcoming season, unless Aguirre has plans to bring through the likes of Brulio or Toché from the B team. I liked Arizmendi too, it's a shame he's gone to Depor.

It depends imo. Messi was meant to be broken into the first team officially last season but I don't believe it was in Rijkaard's original plans to make him such a permanent fixture. His performances were of that much of an excellent quality that it would've been criminal to start Giuly over Messi given the chemistry with the Ronaldinho-Eto'o-Messi trio, and its effectiveness. If Aguero can have the same sort of impact coming into Atleti, it wouldn't surprise me to see him force his first team place and then being rested from then occasionally.

Atletico Madrid coach Aguirre confirms Maniche talks

Atletico Madrid coach Javier Aguirre has admitted his interest in Dynamo Moscow midfielder Maniche.

The Portugal international is also a confirmed target for Inter Milan and Aguirre said: "I observed him in Germany and he is at a great moment in his career.

"I've known him since he played for Porto and Atletico have told me that they are going to establish conversations."


This suggests to me that Aguirre has missed out on signing young starlet Raul Garcia. A real shame if that is the case, but Maniche is a superb player as he showed at the world Cup and I'm sure he'd fit right into Atletico's style of play. He wasn't very successful at Chelsea, mainly due to a lack of opportunity, but his performances in a Portugal and Porto jersey have been of the highest standard.

Oh shit, supposedly Valencia want Atletico's promising central midfielder Gabi. A 3 million euro bid has been rejected, however Quique Flores will come back, this time offering either Jaime Gavilan or David Silva in exchange for Gabi. Now I know Atletico hardly need anothjer left winger, but Silva and Gavilan are the shite, both exploded while on loan last season and if either of them were to move to Atleti, they'd give the side another dimension imo.

Gabi's the type of player we should be looking to keep. A young, talented, Spanish central midfielder, they're pretty much a prized asset anywhere. The two players nominated for exchange are both very good, but we already have Martin Petrov on the left wing and Pernia could easily slot in there as a replacement. What we don't have is central midfielders, and Gabi is definately not surplus to requirements. I'd be very surprised if Aguirre let him go.





Atletico: No bids for Torres

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has confirmed the club have yet to receive any bids this summer for Spain international striker Fernando Torres.

Premiership giants Manchester United have been heavily linked with the talented hit-man as a replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy who looks set to join Real Madrid.

However, with van Nistelrooy still with The Red Devils, Sir Alex Ferguson's side are yet to make any formal offers to Atletico, who value the 22-year-old at more than £20 million.

While Cerezo has hinted Atletico will consider offers for Torres, they have no plans to cash in on their prized asset unless the player makes it clear he wishes to leave El Calderon.

"At the moment we have not received any offers for Fernando Torres," Cerezo told Marca.

"If Fernando Torres ends up leaving Atletico it will be because he wants to, because we have no intention of selling him.

"If a club does make an offer for Fernando we will listen to it, as we do with any player, but that does not mean we will accept it."

Atletico Madrid's Ibagaza ponders AEK offer

Ariel Ibagaza could be on his way from Atletico Madrid before the weekend.

The Argentine is training away from coach Javier Aguirre's first team squad and is considering offers from Spain and abroad.

AEK Athens are favourites for Ibagaza, who knows he has no future at Atletico under Aguirre.

That's true, and Gabi is a great talent, however this is David Silva we're talking about, the boy could go on to surpass Vicente which is some feat.

BTW there have been rumours that Inter Milan have maade a 26 million pound bid for Torres. However it appears that this was a little Spanish radio creating the stroy in order to gain attention.

Is David Silva really that good? Surpassing Vicente is good enough for any club, why would they be looking to offload him? and in exchange for an inexperienced young midfielder?

I say that of we sign Raul Garcia we sell Gabi in exchange for Silva. Garcia will be a straight swap for Gabi and David silva will eventually replace Petrov (who still has a good few years in him, great player with great fitness levels) in the starting line-up.

Yep David Silva is that good, he was on fire at Celta last year and kept Gustavo Lopez out of the team fore much of the season. He can also play as an offensive midfielder and at times took over from Canobbio in the attacking midfield spot.

Valencia need another centre midfielder, Albelda played well last year but Ruben Baraja was utter crap. There are rumors that Patrick Vieira will join Valencia after Juve were relegated, however Gabi is much more realistic. Also with Silva and Gavilan rerutning from their loan spells, Valencia will now have 3 left wingers. Vicente is now returning to full fitness after his ankle injuries and I think Quique perfers Gavilan to Silva. That may explain why Silva could be offloaded. And tbh I'd start Silva over Petrov anyday, the boy from Las Palmas was immense last year while Petrov was pretty poor imo.

Supposedly Javier Aguirre is insisting that Raul Garcia become an Atleti player, there was an allegded meeting between club officials of both Osasuna and Atletico at the hotel 'de concentración de los Ángeles de San Rafael' and Osasuna have again stated they will accept nothing less the the 22 million euro buy out clause. However Aguirre will not give up and is intent on bringing his man to the capital.

i really hope atletico keep torres for two reasons: a. im starting to like atletico and he is their best (see left <--) and b. i really really REALLY don't want manchester united to get them

great turnaround by atletico from div. 2 to a team of world class potential

would really like to watch more of la liga this year so you may see me around here more often

This Silva guy sounds like a very good player. If we let Gabi go i think will have to sign two new central midfielders. Id like Raul Garcia and Borowski. If we get Silva we should get rid of Petrov and just have him and Musampa on the left. We would also have Borowski who is very versatile and can play there to.


Assuming Ibagaza goes to the 8 main midfielders would be

Maxi
Galletti
Luccin
Costinha
R.Garcia
Borowski
Musampa
Silva

No doubt Raul Garcia and Borowsi would be fantastic signings, but they would be far too expensice to purchase both, particular if not getting a fe for Gabi.

Raul Garcia won't leave Osasuna for les than his release clause, €22m, and expect Borowski's fee wouldn't be far offf that given his performances in the World Cup. I would definately prefer Raul Garcia of the two, a young, talented, strong and most importantly Spanish youngster to add that drive and desire to the team in the position where you always need it most, holding midfield.

His signature and maybe a couple of fringe players departues and that would do it for me this season.

Now we all know how misleading tribalfootball.com can be, but I was dissappointed just reading this from that website:

Calderon to make Osasuna's Raul first Real Madrid signing
tribalfooball.com - July 19, 2006

Real Madrid are set to clinch the signing of Osasuna midfielder Raul Garcia.

Osasuna president Patxi Izco has agreed to negotiate a fee with Real for the midfielder below his current £16 million buyout clause.

Raul could become Real president Ramon Calderon's first signing after he skipped training yesterday to discuss the move with agent, Jose Antonio Martin.

The deal with Real Madrid will see Raul spend the coming season on-loan at Osasuna before officially joining his new club for the start of season 2007/08.




Of this would be bad news for Atletico, as there is no doubt that Aguire sees him as the player he wants to complete his squad, but can we trust the source? I doubt it. It even states that he will be Calderon's first signing, but Emerson and Cannavaro have already joined

Your probably right but if we sell Petrov and Ibagaza that should raise between 5 and 10 million.

Yeah, you're right, and I know what you're saying. Personally i'd like to see Petrov stay and play for another two or three seasons, he still hasn't shown his best form, but from what I saw of him at Wolfsberg he is one of the best wingers in La Liga.

I'd like to see the likes of Musampa (who I rate, but maybe not in spanish football) and Ibagaza leave, Raul Garcia come in, and then stop right there in regards to the transfer market. I said at the start of the summer that 6-7 players in was a good figure, with maybe 10 or so fringe players leaving to even up the wage bill. That's not far off what Aguirre has done so far.

If there are many more players coming in then it could get to the point where the balance and harmony of the side is put at stake and it could spell disaster on the pitch after all the good work in the office. Having a good squad on paper doesn't guaruntee a great performance on the pitch.

Pernia has the early lead in the competition to become the starting left back. Aguirre has been working with this starting 11:

----------------Kezman------Aguero-----

-Petrov------------------------------------------Galletti--

----------------Gabi-----------Luccin------

-Pernia--------Pablo---------Perea--------------Seitaridis

Why arnt Torres and Maxi in that side?

I guess they werent back in training yet.

If Pablo was back traning, then Torres was back training. Where did you get this from Nando? It doesn't seem very reliable to me. I can't see Gabi and Luccin starting in centre midfield together. I am sure Maxi Rodriguez and Fernando Torres will both start the season at Atletico, at centre forward and right wing/forward respectively.

Fernando Torres returns tomorrow to the Athletic one. It will be the center of attention of the day, although the soccer player will not train with his companions. In principle, he will pass the tests medical. The physical preinn of the equipment, Juan Iribarren, has prepared a plan individualized for the player. The same it will happen with Costinha, Maxi and Leo Franco, the other that still are to get up themselves. Towers will little by little begin to exercise themselves and he is practically safe that it will not play until the equipment goes to China, first of August. By that reason Toché and Braulio by Aguirre have been mentioned to make the tour by Germany and China. The canteranos will both have minutes in shocks in Germany.

This was in AS today, so looks like he wasn't training but just having medical tests

Cerezo: Torres not for sale

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has insisted his club have no intention of selling striker Fernando Torres.

The 22-year-old's performances at the World Cup for Spain led to interest from Europe's top clubs, but Cerezo wants to keep him at the Vincente Calderon.

"We have not received any offers for Fernando Torres," Cerezo told Marca.

"If Fernando Torres eventually leaves Atletico it will be because he wants to, as we have no intention of selling him.

"If a club does make an offer for Fernando we will listen, as we do with any player, but that does not mean we will accept it."

On Monday, Torres' agent Antonio Sanz insisted his client intended to stay with his hometown club.

Despite that, Atletico coach Javier Aguirre claims the player has offered no guarantees about his future plans, but he has encouraged him to stay.

"Fernando and Atletico have very strong links," Aguirre said.

"Atletico need him and he needs Atletico."

Thus it looks like Torres with be staying at the La Liga outfit - for the time being at least.

Torres is going nowhere, he loves the club too much. With such a strong squad now and the chance of domestic success I can't see him leaving to a club where he may have to watch Atletico successfully competing in La Liga and qualifying for Europe. That's his dream and he wants to be part of it.



Well I think that's pretty normal for a player returning to pre-season training late following World Cup action. Their physical condition will still be pretty good, but these tests should tell the coaches how good and how much work will need to be done for them to get fit for the new season. It'll be interesting to see the results ( Idoubt they'll be released) but they probably aren't far behind the rest of the squad following their national team training in June/July.

Valencia to clinch £10M Osasuna kid Raul
tribalfooball.com - July 21, 2006

Valencia are set to beat Real Madrid for Osasuna midfielder Raul Garcia.

Along with Real, Atletico Madrid have also been chasing the youngster, but Valencia are in advanced talks with Osasuna about a £10 million deal.

Valencia intend to immediately loan Raul back to Osasuna for this season and have drawn up a six-year contract for the midfielder to consider.

Real Madrid's pursuit ended yesterday after the capture of Juventus midfielder Emerson.




I fuckin hope they're lying as usual, but that doesn't look good for Atletico. I remember Aguirre was quoted £22m, which is his release fee, but Valencia seem to have been accepted at £10m. Maybe this was because there are hard feelings towards Aguirre being the former manager? Or maybe i'm just getting my £ and € mixed up!






Osasuna's Delporte: I want Atletico Madrid move
tribalfooball.com - July 21, 2006

Osasuna midfielder Ludovic Delporte admits he wants a move to Atletico Madrid.

The Frenchman is a target for his old coach Javier Aguirre and told AS: "Yes, I know that Atletico wants me and I would like to go there.

"My desire is to play next season in the Calderon, but I do not have the key to the transfer, it does not depend on me."



If Raul Garcia's transfer to Valencia does go through then this guy will surely be lined up as a replacement.

Torres: I'm going nowhere


Spain striker Fernando Torres has ruled out moving away from Atletico Madrid this summer.

The 22-year-old, who made such an impression at the World Cup this summer, has been repeatedly linked with a move to Manchester United.

With Ruud van Nistelrooy seemingly on his way from Old Trafford, Torres has been widely cited as his potential replacement.

United were reported to be preparing a £25 million-plus offer for his services, but the Spaniard has now insisted he will not be leaving Atletico.

"I am here for the pre-season just like last year and have no intention to leave," he told a news conference on Tuesday. "I want to stay here.

"We need to forget about last season's disappointments.

"We have a new coach (Javier Aguirre) in whom I have confidence and he does in me.

"We have signed some great new players and I am really looking forward to working with them next season."

Torres has been Atletico's top-scorer in each of the last four seasons and is under contract at the Vicente Calderon until 2008.

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=40...m+going+nowhere

That's great news and a story that I've been expecting and hoping for

Also, we've had a €12m bid for Raul Garcia turned down recently:
http://www.marca.com/edicion/marca/futbol/...llo/674407.html

At least we're still plugging away.

There's talks that Maniche will complete the flurry of signings Atleti have made this season. The midfielder had an excellent World Cup with Portugal, reaching the semi-finals and scoring the crucial goal in their 1-0 win over the Netherlands. Having spent the second half of last season at Chelsea after being unhappy with his Russian club, Maniche is looking for a move away. He's getting on in age, and might not be any different to the Costinha signing and certainly not a Raul Garcia substitute.

I've got a sneaky idea about what's going on now.

I think Maniche has such a wonderful partnership with Costinha, as he's shown many times before, that Aguirre wants to get him and partner the Portuguese pair in central midfield. They are textbook players in their positions, Costinha a defensive rock, and Maniche more the midfield playmaker.

In the meantime, Aguirre is on the verge of striking a deal with Osasuna regarding Raul Garcia. The deal is for Garcia to sign for Atletico, but either return to Osasuna on a season-long loan, or remain there for a further year. His transfer fee will be payed in installments, as with Maniche / Mista's arrivals, Atletico will be unabble to afford to pay upfront.

During the coming season, Gabi will gain valubale experience in a midfield rotation system, but come 2007/08 (and Raul Garcia's arrival) he will be ready to become a permanent fixture in the side, alongside his former Osasuna teammate. Here they will have Costinha and Maniche, who will be well on in age, to mentor them and aid them with the vital experience they have collected over the former season and throughout their whole domestic and international careers.

This is what happens when I can't sleep I think i'd make an excellent rumours colomn journalist.

Yeah I think you would

If we cant sign Raul Garcia this season hopfully he will stay at Osasuna so we can sign him next season.

I think Maniche and Costinha in midfield will be good enough to get us a top 6 finish this season anyway.

They have shown they have a good partnership for Porto and Portugal and are both good midfields.

If we sign Maniche the team will probably look somthing like this.

-----------------------Franco-----------------------

---Seitaridis---Perea---Pablo---Lopez/Pernia---


----Maxi----Costinha----Maniche----Petrov----


------------Kezman------------Torres------------

Yeah I can't see much past that, but with Gabi and Aguero rotating in midfield and forward positions respectively.

Milan are set to put in a high bid for Torres, it is said that they will do what they can to get him. I hope he doesn't leave. Atleti have a great team this year, i see them being top 4.