Luque saga nearing an end

Reial Mallorca president Mateu Alemany and the father of Albert Luque will meet at Son Moix this morning in a bid to finalise the striker's proposed move to Deportivo de La Coruña. The 24 year-old has been subject to interest from Depor for most of the summer although talks have stalled on numerous occasions as the two clubs haggle over the finer details of the transfer. Last week Alemany said the matter would be tied up within the next few days and, although the clubs seem to have ironed out their differences, it now looks like it will take a little longer due to a few of Luque's demands. Rafael Luque, who acts as his son's agent, has reiterated the player's desire to “take a step up to a bigger team” and ruled out returning to Son Moix on loan for the coming season as had been suggested by both clubs. “If Albert signs for another team he wants to go there and stay there and Alemany knows that,” Rafael said yesterday. The movement of quite a few players depends upon the outcome of the saga. If the Barcelona-born player eventually moves to the Riazor, former Real Mallorca striker Diego Tristan may leave Depor for Barcelona. Barça are on the look out for a front man to put some pressure on the sometimes lethargic Dutchman Patrick Kluivert and although they're also eyeing Brazilian Mario Jardel and Chelsea's Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink they would prefer a Spaniard. Mallorca, on the other hand, would also be looking for a striker as a replacement for Luque, with the quick-footed Argentine “Turu” Flores being the number one name on Alemany's want list. Either way Mallorca coach Gregorio Manzano will want matters settled sooner rather than later so he knows where he stands as the team prepare to face league champions Valencia on the first day of the season in ten days time.