Sport
Preparations intensify ahead of critical January transfer window for Malaga
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Malaga are in the market for a new centre forward but must first offload players outside the wage cap restrictions
Despite more pressing concerns regarding the direction of the club, interim sporting director Manolo Gaspar is hard at work preparing for the opening of the January transfer window next Wednesday.
With a shortage of goals (17 from 21 games), it is no secret that Malaga are in the market for a new centre forward. But with severe financial restraints in place, options are scarce, with scouts looking as low down as Segunda B and the youth teams of La Liga sides for potential loan recruits.
Iván Barbero, 21, of Osasuna Promesas, is one such player. Having scored eight goals in 16 matches so far this season, he is firmly on Malaga's radar. However, for any signing to take place, Malaga must first offload players to comply with wage cap restrictions.
Midfielder Álex Mula, defender Iván Rodríguez and midfielder José Rodríguez remain on the books but couldn't be registered at the end of the summer and an exit for the former could be close to being sealed with Real Oviedo interested in his services. Malaga, however, are not keen to strengthen a direct rival and are looking for a fee, either for a loan deal or to release him from his contract.
Similarly, midfielder Keko is on the exit ramp but with his contract expiring in the summer, Malaga are unlikely to receive a substantial sum of money but would at least free up a squad space.
