The Spanish football club that looked like being on the verge of capturing Brighton and Hove Albion winger Vicente Rodriguez announced their latest signing today (Monday 2 July).
Elche recruited the 26-year-old midfielder Javier Flores Santacruz from his hometown club Cordoba.
The signing of Flores was announced hours after the Spanish media, including the leading regional newspaper El Ideal, speculated that Vicente was on the verge of joining the ambitious second-tier side.
Elche hope to have all their transfer dealings done and dusted in time for the start of pre-season training next Monday (9 July).
Albion have extended Vicente’s contract until the end of next season although the former Valencia star has yet to sign.
He is reported to be keen to return home – and Elche, in Alicante, is about 100 miles from Valencia – with his partner having recently given birth to their second child.
And although he would probably have to take a pay cut, at Elche he would be able to work again with new coach Fran Escriba, a friend from their time at Valencia.
A week ago Albion made another signing from Valencia, sealing a deal with defender Bruno Saltor.
