1 May 2007, by Marco Pereira

Pacos de Ferreira’s Antunes triggers seven-club race for signature

Scouts from all over Europe tracking left-back

Pacos de Ferreira left-back Antunes is creating a buzz all over Europe with a host of clubs from the Old Continent taking a strong interest in the young Portuguese defender.

The latest clubs to have had their heads turned by the 20-year-old are Aston Villa and Auxerre. Scouts from both clubs were spotted taking in Pacos’ game against Uniao de Leiria on Friday.

Not only were representatives from the English and French clubs present, but emissaries from Celta de Vigo and Salamanca were also in the stands watching the game.

The Spanish clubs have gone one step further than their European counterparts as they were spotted speaking to the Portuguese under-21 international’s agent, Amaro Valente. Another La Liga side, Atletico Madrid, have also asked for information about the player.

It will be interesting this summer to see where the former Freamunde player ends up as Benfica, FC Porto and Anderlecht all showed interest long before any of the other clubs mentioned above entered into the fray.

In other club news, AEK Athens are rumoured to be taking a good look at central defender, Luiz Carlos, and goalkeeper, Pecanha. Contact has been established as regards Pecanha and it may be just a matter of time before a deal is thrashed out.

This would not be the first time that the Greek side would be dipping into the Portuguese market, as they secured Manduca from Benfica last summer on a loan, and are looking to sign him permanently at the end of the season.