Mallorca Resist Portsmouth's 'Illegal' Approach for Gutierrez

Mallorca President Victor Grande has spoken out against Portsmouth's approach to sign Argentine midfielder Jonas Gutierrez from the Spanish side.

Portsmouth were reputed to have offered €10million for Gutierrez, but Grande disputed these claims, saying:

"No club has offered Mallorca €10m for Jonas. There was one offer of €5m and another for €6m..."

He then went on to slam Portsmouth for the manner of their attempts to sign the player saying:

"Portsmouth do not want Jonas as they have insulted the player by undervaluing him and manipulating him...

"They are not complying with UEFA laws, which state you cannot negotiate with players if you do not have permission from their clubs.

"At the moment we are being prudent and have not taken any measures."

The ownership of Gutierrez is currently split fifty-fifty between Mallorca and Argentine side Velez Sarsfield, and Grande expects the player to see out his contract at one of the two clubs:

"Jonas is a magnificent player, but we will not negotiate through the press.

"He has two-and-a-half years left on his contract and he will have to complete those with Mallorca, with Velez or wherever because his federative rights are ours."

Whether Portsmouth will continue to court the player remains to be seen, but Mallorca seem ready to contact UEFA should the situation develop further. Harry Redknapp seems keen to add an Argentine to his squad, having already been linked with Andres D'Alessandro this week.

Tuesday Transfer Gossip

First off, Boca Juniors have agreed a loan deal for Liverpool defender Gabriel Paletta. Ole (Spanish link) report that the former Banfield player will join the Buenos Aires club on a one year loan.

Jonas Gutierrez looks certain to stay with RCD Mallorca for at least one more season. Marca (Spanish link) report that Velez Sarsfield still own 50% of the rights to the player and do not wish to sell these rights as they hope for the player to play for them from June 2008 onwards.

Finally, Matias Vidangossy will play for Almeria next season. Marca (Spanish link) report that the young Chilean midfielder will join the newly promoted club on a one year loan from fellow Primera Liga side Villarreal.

Monday Transfer Gossip

First off, Valencia are interested in bringing Inter Milan forward Adriano to the Mestalla. The Gazzetta Della Sport (Italian link) reports that the Spanish side have offered 15million Euros for the talented, if somewhat inconsistent Brazilian. Inter are thought to be holding out for 25million Euros.

Gabriel Heinze has hit out at Manchester United for blocking his potential move to rivals Liverpool. Sky Sports report that the player is frustrated with United for going back on their promise to let him move to another club this summer. A Premier League hearing is set for the 20th August to resolve the matter.

After Juan Riquelme's comments a few days ago, it seems that several European clubs are ready to make another move for the playmaker. The Gazzetta Della Sport (Italian link) reports that Atletico Madrid, along with both AC and Inter Milan, are interested in the Argentine, with a figure of 8million Euros being mentioned.

Finally, Jonas Gutierrez will stay at RCD Mallorca for the upcoming season, according to Marca (Spanish link). Portsmouth had a 7million Euro bid rejected, while Liverpool were also though to hold an interest in the Argentine midfielder.

Saturday Transfer Gossip

First off, Newcastle have completed the signing of Claudio Capaca on a free transfer. Sky Sports report that the former Lyon captain has signed a two-year deal with the Premiership club.

Everton have now joined the race to sign Lucho Gonzalez from FC Porto according to the Daily Express. They report that the Merseyside club are on the brink of a £10million move for the Argentine midfielder who has also been linked with Valencia and Real Madrid.

Portsmouth are interested in signing Jonas Gutierrez from RCD Mallorca. Marca (Spanish link) report that the English club have offered £7million for the Argentine forward, who must decide between a move to the Premiership or to extend his contract with the Spanish side until 2010.

Finally, Marca (Spanish link) also report that Real Betis have agreed a fee with Villarreal to sign Argentine defensive-midfielder Leandro Somoza. The player himself must now decide whether he wishes to move to Hector Cuper's side.