Málaga agree Baptista deal

(GSM) – Málaga have made a swoop for Roma’s Julio Baptista as the Qatar owned club look to improve on their league position.

Baptista’s deal follows after moves for Atlético Madrid duo Ignacio Camacho and Sergio Asenjo.

Last week, the Andalusian side had agreed terms for Bayern München’s Martin Demichelis.

Sheikh Al-Thani bought the Primera Liga outfit in the summer and is providing new coach Manuel Pellegrini with the players he wants.

Board member Jose Carlos Perez, a close aide of the owner, confirmed the deals are in place for Camacho, Asenjo and Baptista, who will officially join on 1st January along with Demichelis.

“Camacho will remain for the season and four more. There may be an option to re-purchase,” he said.

“In principle, there is also an agreement with Asenjo.”

He confirmed Baptista has agreed a deal until 2013, saying: “He has signed for two-and-a-half years and the transfer is €2million with Roma.”

Perez also revealed that talks are ongoing with Sporting Gijon over their highly-rated defender Jose Angel.

“We have made an offer and the doors remain open,” he added.

Reports also suggest that Malaga are ready to ditch a number of players with the likes of Edinho, Albert Luque and Juanito amongst those set to be shown the exit door.