TOON AND CELTA REJOIN CATANHA CHASE

The 28-year-old called the deal off after claiming that he had been let down by the Liga champions, but is still expected to be sold by Malaga, who have already prepared for life without him and signed Dely Valdes.

Celta Vigo are looking for a new striker after the sale of Mario Turdo to Rennes, and could now come in with a bid around the £8 million mark, a fee which Deportivo were prepared to pay.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are also believed to have renewed their interested in Catanha, but would not want to sign him until December.

This would give the player time to apply for a Spanish passport, which would make his transfer to England easier, and also to trim down their current top-heavy striker options, with Paul Robinson and Duncan Ferguson expected to leave St James' Park in the near future.

There is also reported interest in him from Real Madrid, which could be a move that the player may prefer.

Meanwhile, Deportivo are now reported to have turned their attentions to Chelsea striker Tore Andre Flo as they look to add to their strikeforce ahead of a Champions League campaign this season.

Click on a link below to read an earlier story regarding Catanha's move away from Malaga:

23/07/00 - Deportivo Double Blow
12/07/00 - Two Two Fight Over Catanha
23/06/00 - Celta Vigo Watch Malaga Duo
20/06/00 - Villa And Newcastle Go For Catanha