Roig lauds Palermo return

VILLARREAL president Fernando Roig has claimed that his side's best transfer for next season will be Argentinian Martin Palermo.

The striker was ruled out for four months after he broke his leg celebrating a Copa del Rey goal and his absence coincided with Villarreal steadily losing ground in the league and ending up just above the relegation drop-zone.

Indeed Roig, who knows that Palermo will leave if one of the European elite teams comes in for him, has stated that his striker could score 20 goals for the club this season.

"Everybody has seen how many problems he has had but Palermo must and is going to fulfill his contract," said Roig.

He added: "I've always thought that this transfer can be great for Villarreal for this season, since he is a very important player for us and it is necessary to remember that last year we only had him for four months.

"We have contact with him, I know that he is training well and hard to arrive in optimal condition.  On our part, we are polishing defects and trying to get players who can contribute things so that Palermo can have more opportunities to score."

Roig also admitted that Villarreal were in talks with Sao Paulo in an attempt to buy Giuliano Belletti.

He said: "We are negotiating via fax and by telephone, but it is complicated."