Varios equipos punteros tras un joven del Cartagena. By Steve.

TOP CLUBS IN FOR CARTAGENA STARLET

BY STEVE HIBBERD

Chelsea, Liverpool, Man United, Man City, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Malaga are all chasing the signature of FC Cartagena wonder kid, 16 year old Hicham Khaloua. Last season, Khaloua scored 38 goals in 30 matches for the youth team, prompting promotion late on to the 'B' side. He is currently training with the first team, in line for a call up to the Spanish national youth side, and when he recently played for the province of Murcia youth, was watched by scouts from all over Europe. Although of Moroccan descent, he is a Spanish citizen, and has been quoted as choosing Liverpool as his favoured destination (hmm... Morocco to Merseyside isn't that much of a culture shock, me thinks!!).

Manager Paco Lopez has continued his transfer spree, adding a further 4 players to the first team squad, which now numbers 19. JUANMA Barrero, aged 31, arrives from Greek club Aris Salonica, making him the 3rd keeper on the books. Experienced defender, 32 year old Abraham Paz, has signed from Hercules. Two highly rated 21 year old strikers have helped further swell Los Albinegros ranks. MARC Fernandez joins from newly promoted div 2a side Sabadell, whilst Salva CHAMORRO makes the switch from Villarreal 'B'.

The squad is now starting to take shape, where all departments are looking reasonably strong, with possibly the exception of the front men, for whom only Goiria (Gloria) remains from last season (oh, holy god!!). Also retained is keeper Rebollo, defenders Txiki and Herrero, whilst in midfield, it's Mariano, Lafuente, Maldonado and Moral, who will again be wearing the famous black and white striped shirt.

Although some players from last season have yet to find new clubs, the following have departed: Longas has joined Gimnastic Tarragona, whilst Exposito signed up with Numancia, and I'm sure that both will be given a warm reception when they next visit Cartagonova Stadium for a div 2a match with their new clubs. The legend that is VICTOR, has taken up a player coach position at Leganes, and he too will be sadly missed. Both Cala and Jose Carlos have joined Greek club AEK Athens. Three loanees have returned to their parent clubs - Botelho (Arsenal), Casilla (Espanol) and Rodri (Real Betis). Finally, on behalf of all ex pat Cartagena fans, I wish the ex Arsenal and Villarreal man mountain, Frenchman Pascal Cygan, a very happy retirement, and thank him for all the magnificent displays that he has put in for the club over the last 2 seasons.

Unbelievably, football is with us once again, albeit in the form of pre season friendlies. La Manga club hosts the first, on Weds 20 Jul (ko 7pm), when FC Cartagena and div 3 side Cartagena FC compete in this annual fixture. Then a week later on 27 Jul (ko 9pm), Totana, home of preferente div side Olimpic, is the venue for the next experimental get together for Paco Lopez and the lads. For up to date info on FC Cartagena, visit www.nosoloefese.es or www.futbolcartagena.com.