PAO sets its sights on defenders
Panathinaikos is the Greek soccer side most determined to add to its roster over the current transfer period and is eyeing a variety of targets from abroad this month. Two central defenders arrived in Athens to begin indirect negotiations with the Greens; they are Brazilian David Braz de Oliveira Filho, or simply David, a 21-year-old Palmeiras player, and Slovakian Emir Spahic of Lokomotiv Moscow. Although Panathinaikos has not confirmed its interest, reports suggest that at least one of the two players will sign a deal with the Greek representative in the last 16 of the Champions League. Another target is left-back Mike Zonneveld, a 28-year-old Dutchman who plays for PSV Eindhoven. Panathinaikos coach Henk ten Cate has approached the player and the Dutch side and a loan deal for the next six months appears very likely at this stage. Nevertheless, club president Nikos Pateras went on record yesterday saying the Greens will sign only one or two players, although his purpose may have been to temper expectations.
