Argentina: Boca Make Abbondanzieri First Priority

Boca Juniors soon to be technical-director, Carlos Bianchi, has identified the position of goalkeeper as the one they really need to strengthen for next year's Copa Libertadores and believes that Getafe custodian Roberto Abbondanzieri could be the man for the role.

Carlos Ischia's side may have secured the Argentine Apertura title, but with young goalkeeper Javier Garcia prone to errors and Mauricio Caranta likely to be sold to the highest bidder in January, the need for an experienced man between the sticks is clear.

Abbondanzieri, 36, would certainly fit the bill. He spent ten years at Boca between 1996 and 2006, and is the keeper favoured by both Bianchi and Ischia, who are certain that his character would have a positive impact on the dressing room, just as his keeping skills would on the pitch.

"Pato" is out of contract in June, so could be available for a knock-down fee in January. However, with only on-loan cover Jacobo Sanz as a replacement, his Spanish employers are likely to want to keep hold of him until at least the end of the season, which could scupper Boca's plans.

Should a deal for Abbondanzieri not materalise, then Boca are also studying other options. Among those is 38 year old Millionairos goalkeeper Óscar Córdoba, who was a vital component of Bianchi's successful side between 1997 and 2001. There are, however, concerns over his recent form and whether a move for him at this stage in his career would be wise.

In addition, Atacante's Federico Vilar - who came up through the Boca youth system but never played for the first team - Paraguayan national goalkeeper Justo Villar, and San Lorenzo's Agustín Orión are also on Boca's rader.