Saturday 9th August 2008
Depor to streamline squad
Deportivo La Coruna have too many players on their roster and are looking to trim their squad before opening day.
Manager Miguel Angel Lotina is looking to offload as many as nine players for to reach the final squad figure of 24.
Depor have quantity and depth in all positions, so they are just looking to shed some deadwood before the new campaign starts.
Dudu Aouate, Gustavo Munúa, Rodolfo Bodipo and Adrián have been given their marching orders by Lotina, all of them key squad members last season.
The man-in-charge has yet to decide if he needs to bring in a proven centreback to Depor, just in case Argentina star Fabricio Coloccini bolts for the Premier League.
The Argentine's exit could also prompt Lotina to retain Pablo Amo, who was expected to leave for Real Zaragoza after the club brought in Zé Castro from Atlético Madrid.
There's also a chance that the Blanquiazules could see Angel Lafita move to the Segunda Liga, with the winger in Real Zaragoza's sights.
Lafita is highly regarded by Lotina but the manager is resigned to losing his young star if the relegated Aragon outfit can present the US$4.5 million required to meet the buyout clause.
Lotina will hold a meeting with club president César Lendoiro on Monday to discuss transfers and departures, with the main topic being the 25 players that can be registered for both the UEFA Cup and La Liga.
