Mallorca Target Juanfran

Despite their stellar performance last season, the Balearic Islanders – who recently lost Pichichi winner Dani Güiza to Fenerbahçe – seem resigned to losing yet another player as defender Javier Dorado looks set to make a return to his former club and newly promoted side, Sporting Gijón.

Coach Gregorio Manzano is eager to have every position covered by at least two players but seeing his men depart left, right and centre is hardly ideal preparation for a new season full of expectations.

His first target to strengthen the squad is Real Zaragoza’s Juanfran, someone Manzano sees as a perfect fit to challenge Ayoze for the left-back slot in the team.

The 31-year-old had a less than memorable campaign with Real Zaragoza after the Aragóns struggled badly throughout the term and were eventually relegated from the top flight. And Manzano is keen to take advantage of the club’s demotion by trying to prize the Valencia-born defender away from La Romareda. His arrival, however, will depend heavily on whether Zaragoza release him on a free transfer and if Dorado will depart for Gijón.

But next on the shopping list for Manzano is Sevilla midfielder Lluís Martí, a player whom the coach specifically requested to bring in to act as back-up for Borja Valero and promising youngster Mario Suárez.

Mallorca finished seventh in la Primera last season, just one point shy of pipping Racing Santander to an automatic UEFA Cup spot.


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