Zaragoza get Pavón and Matuzalem

Real Zaragoza have made their second defensive signing in as many days with the arrival of centre-back Francisco Pavón from Real Madrid CF, and also boosted their attacking line with the acquisition of FC Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian attacking midfielder Matuzalem for an undisclosed fee.

Not needed
The 27-year-old Pavón has agreed a four-year deal with Zaragoza having become surplus to requirements at the Santiago Bernabéu with the acquisition of Christoph Metzelder and Pepe last week. Yesterday, Zaragoza, who will play in the 2007/08 UEFA Cup, unveiled veteran Argentina defender Roberto Ayala after the departure of Gabriel Milito to FC Barcelona.

Title triumph
Pavón had spent his entire career with Madrid, working his way through the ranks before making his debut as a 21-year-old in the 2001/02 campaign. He went on to make 106 league appearances, scoring one goal, and played a full part in the 2002/03 league triumph although he would make just ten appearances in last season's success.

Italian clubs
Pavon will be joined at La Romereda by Matuzalem, the 27-year-old having penned a three-year contract. The attacking midfielder played for EC Vitória in his homeland before making Swiss side AC Bellinzona, in 1998/99, the first stop of a European tour which also took in SSC Napoli, Parma FC, Piacenza FC and Brescia Calcio before his arrival at Shakhtar in 2004. Matuzalem went on to score 25 goals in 68 Ukrainian Premier League games, winning two titles. Shakhtar have made an official complaint to FIFA regarding the transfer, claiming that they are due €25m compensation from the player and his new club for breach of contract. Zaragoza, meanwhile, have loaned midfielder Ángel Lafita to RC Deportivo La Coruña for a season.