The transfer deadline approached and passed last Wednesday prompting a flurry of last-minute activity.
Portuguese midfielder Tiago, rarely in action for Chelsea over the last 12 months, has crossed the Channel to Lyon for 12 million euros. Republic of Ireland international Clinton Morrison has chosen a return to Crystal Palace over Norwich. Liverpool reject, Milan Baros, top scorer at Euro 2004, has gone to Aston Villa, manager David O’Leary investing 10 million euros in the lately dormant talent. Manchester United have lost out once again. Brazilian defender Cicinho, dubbed the new Cafu, will join Real Madrid next January despite visiting Old Trafford and having talks with Sir Alex Ferguson. Everton have strengthened their squad with Roma defender Matteo Ferrari and Dutch winger Andy van der Meyde from Inter. Newcastle forked out 15 million euros for Deportivo striker Albert Luque and, just as we were going to press last Tuesday, Michael Owen had announced that he was joining the England squad from Real Madrid. Owen was expected to sign a four-year deal with Newcastle, who are believed to have paid a club record 17 million pounds sterling for the player.
