For the record we have these players available to s without even spending a cent either because they're on loan or they're from the youth team:
Edwin Congo, 24, ST/AM
Colombian international whom Labas says says is very good; only needs a chance. Another past comment on him was that he plays like George Weah. As you can see, I'm only basing my descriptions on what's been said about him cause I've never really seen him play He's currently on loan to Valladolid.
Rodrigo Fabri, 23, ST/AM
Left-footed Brazilian attacking midfielder who plays as striker at Valladolid, where he is on loan. Has scored 7 goals this season and made several, too. He is known to be quite temperemental and has been booked and sent off a bunch of times. He has said this is the last year he's going on loan. He either plays for Real Madrid or is sold. According to Don Balon, he'll probably included in the Real squad next season.
Cesar, 29, GK
Veteran Spanish goalkeeper whose good form the last couple of years has convinced Real Madrid to buy him last summer. As I have said, he's on loan to Valladolid for a season but will surely be back to be our No.1 next year. Has so far conceded 38 goals in 32 matches.
Manuel Canabal, 25, ST
Rayo Vallecano's leading scorer this season with 9 goals is actually Real Madrid property. Last season he was on loan to Alaves where he scored 5 goals in 30 matches. During the preseason, he was Steve McManaman's closest buddy in the squad until he was loaned to our other cross-city rivals.
Samuel Eto'o, 20, ST/RM
He was part of the Real squad during the first half of the season but was subsequently loaned to Mallorca to make non-EU space for Perica Ognjenovic. Has scored 3 goals including 2 against Barca and is currently making quite a stir in the island club. Along with Karembeu and Geremi, is Nicolas Anelka's best friend in the team.
'Tote', ST
Last year, he was at Real Madrid B and made some appearances for the first team. This season he is on loan to Benfica where I don't know what he's up to. I have read that Benfica will forego their option to buy him and he will probably be back in the B team next season if not loaned or sold.
Esteban Cambiasso, 19, DM
Talented Argentine touted to be the next Redondo. He was in Real's youth team at the age of 16, but finding it hard to adapt, he was loaned back to Argentina where he is now a vital part of Independiente's midfield. Highly-spoken of by Argentine press, he is sure to replace his idol, in a few years.
Federico Magallanes, 24, PM/ST
Left-footed Uruguayan playmaker who captained Uruguay's squad during their successful Copa America campaign. Last year, he was on loan to Racing Santander where he failed to impress, and now he's nowhere to be seen. I've know idea where he is playing. I've asked around. They say he's on loan somewhere but definitely not in Spain.
Cesar Prates, 24, RB
Brazilian right-back on loan to Sporting Lisbon. According to Ze da Fiel, he's crap, had a few caps under Zagallo's term, and was good riddance for his former team Corinthians. By chance, I caught the the last thirty minutes of Sporting's weekend game against Guimaraes (I didn't even know we had coverage of the Portuguese League!). He's bulkier and heftier than Roberto Carlos but they basically do the same thing, except Prates plays on the right and is nowhere near Roberto Carlos talent. He takes Sporting's free kicks and forced a save during the match I watched.
Jose Antonio Meca, 21, ST/LW
From the youth team. Made several appearances for the first team and scored a goal and made one.
David Aganzo, 19, ST
Said to be the new Raul. I don't really agree but nonetheless remember his name. Made a few appearnces for the first team this season including a start against Rosenborg. Member of the Spanish U-21 side that overwhelmed the competition in the Nigeria World Youth Championships.
We have many others but I've barely any info on them.
Anyway, to answer the topic's question, it's obvious that from the players we have available for free, what we really need to spend money on is a top central defender. I think Campbell is way too expensive for a central defender. Cannavaro is not going anywhere. I really am clueless as to who. Perhaps we should dig someone up from the Dutch League where Stam and Hyppia were recently discovered.
[This message has been edited by dwMB (edited 18-04-2000).]