Spanish pair reunited with Jiménez at AEK

Greek Cup winners AEK Athens FC have strengthened their squad ahead of the UEFA Europa League play-offs by signing Spanish pair José Carlos and Juan Torres 'Cala' on one-year deals.

AEK coach Manuel Jiménez has returned to his former side Sevilla FC in recruiting both players. Centre-back Cala, 21, joins on loan from the Liga outfit while forward José Carlos, 23, was a free agent after leaving the Andalusians earlier this summer. Jiménez was in charge at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuan between 2007 and 2010.

Defender Cala, who has featured five times for Sevilla in the league, said Jiménez was key to him moving to the Greek capital: "It's very important that the coach knew me and wanted me in the team. An additional motive was that AEK are Greek Cup holders and will participate in the UEFA Europa League. I knew AEK had been without silverware for many years and that they broke the spell with Mr Jiménez. I hope we continue to be successful."

José Carlos, another Sevilla youth product, was released after spending last term on loan with Cala at FC Cartagena. "The gaffer's presence was important in my decision to join AEK," said the striker with 18 top-flight appearances to his name. "I look forward to working with him again and want to prove myself worthy of his trust. This is a great opportunity for me to develop as a player at a big club."