Pavone keen to get off the mark for Betis

Having failed to score since his 6.8million Euro move from Estudiantes, Argentine striker Mariano Pavone has spoken of his desire to get on the scoresheet for his new club as soon as possible.

Pavone, who scored 45 goals in 145 appearances for Estudiantes, has been in and out of the Betis side due to the competition for places up front at the Seville side. He is, however, remaining calm:

"Hopefully the first goal arrives soon, it will be a relief when it does. It is necessary to be calm, not to be desperate. With work it will arrive".

He has also spoken about working with fellow Argentine Hector Cúper, who is the manager at Betis:

"Cúper is a technician who likes everything to be perfect. He is demanding and very careful with his work. He is a trainer who can be engaged in a dialog, although he gives a serious image to the outside world. We have spoken on my situation and he has assured me that although I haven't played lately, I am in his plans".

Pavone trusts in his own ability and it shouldn't be long before the striker gets into goalscoring form for Betis.

Friday Transfer Rumours

First off, Celto Vigo's Brazilian forward Nene seems to be keen on a move to the English Premiership, as reported by Sky Sports. Blackburn seem to be the side most heavily linked with the player, with a transfer expected to happen once Nene has received confirmation of his Spanish citizenship.

Another Brazilian linked with a move is Barcelona defender/midfielder Edmilson, who the Daily Star are linking with a free transfer move to Newcastle.

The BBC is reporting that Carlos Tevez has rejected a move to Inter Milan after they elected to put a time constraint on his decision whether to join them. Tevez's representive/owner Kia Joorabchian is quoted as saying that "Carlos' heart is really in the Premier League", which also seemingly rules out the possibility of a move to Real Madrid for the talented Argentine.

Valencia are reportably lining up Barcelona's Brazilian full back Juliano Beletti as a replacement for Miguel, who is expected to leave the club over the summer, as reported by Marca (Spanish link).

Following the Ole report on Monday that Mariano Pavone's move to Real Betis was close to completion, it appears that Betis are likely to announce the transfer today, according to Marca (Spanish link).

Finally, Marca report that Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has confirmed that the club are in discussions to sign Real Zaragoza's Argentine center-back Gabriel Milito. It seems there is currently a difference between their and Zaragoza's valuations for the player and Gigli doesn't expect the issue to be resolved easily.

Monday Transfer Gossip

First off, Sky Sports is reporting that Greek side Olympiakos are near to completing a move for Atletico Madrid's Argentine winger Luciano Galletti. Their technical director is expected in Madrid tomorrow to finalise the details.

If the deal for Galletti goes through it will be their second Argentine signing in a matter of days, with the purchase of Argentinos Junior's young striker Leonel Nunez completed yesterday. It is only a modest fee of £1.5million for a player who was in hot scoring form last season, most famously for his goal from behind the half way line against Belgrano during the Clausura.

Atletico Madrid's Mexican coach Javier Aguirre has made a move for compatriot Rafael Marquez, who currently plays for Barcelona, according to Marca (spanish link). With the impending arrival of Yaya Toure, Marquez's first team opportunities may be limited at Barca, giving more credence to the possibility of a move.

Sevilla's Daniel Alves has seemingly opened the door for a move to Real Madrid, after comments made on Spanish radio network Punto Radio, as reported by Marca (spanish link). Whilst saying that he is happy at Sevilla he commented that if he were to leave it would be "by the great door", referring to Real.

Marca (spanish link) are also reporting that RCD Mallorca are refusing to take Barcelona's Argentine forward Maxi Lopez on loan for next season due to his poor output for them in a similar arrangement this season just finished.

Finally, Argentine sports paper Ole (spanish link), is reporting that spanish club Real Betis are close to agreeing a deal for Estudiantes striker Mariano Pavone. A fee of $6.8million has been agreed, with the method of payment now the only stumbling block. Estudiantes appear to be using the money from the deal in order to purchase Chilean club Colo-Colo's captain David Herinquez.