Aguirre gets thumbs up from Atlético

Club Atlético de Madrid have handed coach Javier Aguirre a new one-year contract while signing Spain starlet Raúl García as attention already turns to this summer's UEFA Intertoto Cup.

European ambition
After four successful campaigns at CA Osasuna, the 48-year-old Aguirre guided Atlético to a seventh-placed finish in this season's Primera División, meaning they will have to come through the summer competition if they are to play in the 2007/08 UEFA Cup. Atlético will compete in the UEFA Intertoto Cup third round over two legs on 21/22 and 28/29 July. Should they win they will earn a place in the UEFA Cup second qualifying round.

Homegrown talent
Atlético have also signed Osasuna midfielder Raúl García on a five-year contract with Aguirre knowing all about his ability. The 20-year-old has been a regular for the Pamplona club in the past two seasons, having first made his debut under Aguirre in 2004. The capital side have paid €13m for the Under-21 international, who made a total of 68 league appearances, scoring nine goals, for his hometown club and also helped them reach the UEFA Cup semi-finals.