Betis suffer Dani blow
Thursday, August 7, 2003
Article summary
News round-up: Real Betis Balompié striker Dani faces up to three months on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
Article body
Injury time
The 21-year-old will be in plaster for four weeks after undergoing surgery. Dani, who has a history of injuries, is Betis's third-choice striker behind Gastón Casas and Joao Tomás.
Suárez switch
Betis's neighbours Sevilla FC have made Spanish international goalkeeper Esteban Suárez their ninth summer signing. The 28-year-old, who was on loan at Club Atlético de Madrid last season, has joined on a free transfer from Real Oviedo. He has agreed a four-year contract.
Transfer flurry
Sevilla's other new recruits are: Aitor Ocio, Antonio López, José Luis Martí, Luis Gil, Álvaro Benito, Germán Hornos, Darío Silva and Julio César Baptista. The Andalusian club have also sent midfield player Alfredo Lobeira 'Fredi' on a season's loan to newly promoted Real Murcia CF.
Pletsch pledge
In Germany, Brazilian defender Marcelo Pletsch has inked a contract extension that could keep him at VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach until 2007. The 27-year-old has added another two years to his original deal with Mönchengladbach.
Emergency signing
Former Liverpool FC goalkeeper Jørgen Nielsen has signed a one-year contract with Danish Superligaen newcomers BK Frem København. The 32-year-old will replace Stefan Campagnolo who broke his hand in last week's defeat by Brøndby IF. Nielsen had been playing at second divison HIK København after being released by FC Nordsjælland at the end of last season.
Mellor loan
Meanwhile, Nielsen's old club Liverpool have loaned striker Neil Mellor to West Ham United FC, who were relegated from the Premiership last May. The 20-year-old, who has made six first-team appearances for the Anfield club, arrives at West Ham for a season only.
Aberdeen arrival
Australian international forward David Zdrilic has completed his free transfer to Scottish club Aberdeen FC. The 29-year-old, who played for Walsall FC in England last term, will spend the next 12 months with the Premier League club.
Kazakh trial
Finally, Kazakh Super League champions FC Irtysh Pavlodar have acquired the services of Lithuanian striker Andrius Velicka from FBK Kaunas. The 24-year-old joins on a four-month contract, but with the option of a more permanent deal. Velicka, who scored 18 goals for Kaunas last season, will link up with compatriot Egidijus Juska. He recently had a similar trial with Russian club FC Anzhi Makhachkala.
