Van Hooijdonk looks good to Spanish eyes

Atletico Madrid will mark the start of the latest Spanish transfer market with a £5 million bid for Pierre Van Hooijdonk.

The rebellious Dutch striker is set for a three month ban after being sent off for Nottingham Forest in a 3-1 defeat at Leicester at the weekend. The World Cup player will attract other bids but Atletico are the keenest and have watched Van Hooijdonk in action during his past two matches. They know Italian coach Arrigo Saachi is confident that his rigid discipline will solve any problems Van Hooijdonk may cause a buying club after his bitter rows with Glasgow Celtic and Nottingham Forest. He missed the first part of the Premiership season on strike.

Leeds United are the main English side considering a bid for the player buy they have been put off by the £6 million valuation put on him by Forest. Any chance of a cheaper deal and he could remain in England.