Madrid, June 23 (IANS) Spanish football club Atletico Madrid have injected some life into the transfer market with a series of signings and departures.
Atletico Madrid have confirmed the sale of centre-forward Mario Mandzukic to Juventus and central defender Joao Miranda to Inter Milan, reports Xinhua.
Meanwhile, Villarreal have confirmed that they have sold Argentinean striker Luciano Vietto to Atletico.
The deal which sees Atletico’s Brazilian forward Leo Baptistao move the other way on loan, means that Atletico will have a new-look forward line next season, especially as Atletico are on the verge of sealing the signing of Colombian international Jackson Martinez in a big money deal from Porto.
The arrival of Martinez and Vietto mean Atletico coach Diego Simeone will be able to field an attacking line of Vietto, Martinez and Antoine Griezmann, which on paper at least guarantees pace and goals, allowing Simeone’s men to play on the counter attack.
It should also see Mexican striker Raul Jimenez loaned to a La Liga club for next season. Jimenez hardly counted for Simeone last season and his options are likely to be even more limited this time around.
Recently promoted Real Betis are closing in on Egyptian left back Amro Tarek to add to the already confirmed arrival of Rafael van der Vaart and Celta Vigo have confirmed the signing of Danish midfielder Daniel Wass.
Wass arrives in Spain from French side Evian and will hope to cover for his fellow countryman Michael Krohn-Dehli, who has moved to Sevilla. He is Celta’s second signing after the return of striker Iago Aspas.
Finally, Eibar are likely to confirm the return of Jose Luis Mendilibar as first team coach as the replacement for Gaizka Garitano.