20 July 2007, by Marco Pereira

Lucho Gonzalez in the dark about possible Valencia transfer

Dragons snap up Milan Stepanov

The final destination of Argentine midfielder, Lucho Gonzalez, has yet to be finalized. The player has been the subject of intense speculation recently that he was due to leave for pastures new in Spain, namely with Valencia.

But speaking to Portuguese radio station, Antena 1, Lucho said he knew nothing of any possible move and added that he would be happy to remain with the Portuguese champions.

“I am not thinking about that right now,” said Gonzalez. “I am on holiday resting. I haven’t spoken to anyone. I do not know anything about the Valencia speculation and have not spoken to anyone.”

“I’m calm and if I stay at Porto I would be happy as it is not my intention to leave. Valencia are a big club, but I have not given thought to them. I don’t know what’s happening, but now I just want to rest.”

The Dragons are believed to be holding out for 20 million euros for the star midfielder, while the Spanish giants are not willing to go beyond the 17 million euro mark.

Stepanov capture confirmed

In other club news, FC Porto have filled the vacancy left by Pepe’s departure by agreeing on a fee for central defender Milan Stepanov from Trabzonspor. It has been reported on the Turkish team’s website that the two clubs have agreed on a transfer.

Details of the deal are not clear but it is believed a fee of 3.5 million euros has been paid.

Nonetheless, Porto have yet to agree personal terms with the player himself, although that is not likely to be a stumbling block.


Related: Lucho Gonzalez targeted by Valencia
Related: Lucho Gonzalez PortuGOAL profile