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Speculation continues about the futures of Ignacio Scocco, Israel Castro and Rubens Sambueza, and whther they will be with Pumas for the next tournament.

Scocco, it seems, looks likely to stay at Pumas at least until Christmas when he will be out of contract, as the asking price of 3 million dollars is putting off a number of potential suitors. This seems to be poor business by Pumas, since once he is out of contract they will not recieve a penny for any potential move.

Castro's move is also doubtful as Pumas have given a time limit of Friday for a definite offer to be made, and although Castro is keeping quiet, there clearly has been some interest and it would be good for him personally to further his career in Europe. He has stated, however, that if he does not go to Europe he will stay with Pumas.

Meanwhile the club has put the purchase of Rubens Sambueza from River Plate on the back-burner, curiously claiming that there were "other priorities". This seems very unfair on the best outfield player of the last tournament who is keen to stay at Pumas but who is seeing the board of the club prevaricate about his future. Other Mexican options could also arise for Sambueza and Pumas would lose a great talent.

Pumas head off for "beach training" in Cancún this Sunday. Castro may join them if there is no resolution of his transfer possibilities. Cancún appears to be a popular destination, Tigres also arriving in Quintana Roo this week.

Pumas also discovered who they will be playing in the preliminary round of the CONCACAF champions league in August. They are paired against Harbour View of Jamaica, with the second leg to be played in CU. A win will take them through to the group stage which has yet to be drawn. Incidentally Cruz Azul play Hankook Verders of Belize, while Atlante and Santos go through to the group stage automatically.

Elsewhere in Mexico
Mexico gained some measure of consolation after their defeat against Argentina by crushing a poor Peru team 4-0 in Chicago. All the goals came in the first half, from Fernando Arce (2), Andrés Guardado and Carlos Vela. Following the game goalkeeper Oswaldo Sánchez was arrested after an incident at the team hotel. He was detained for a breach of the peace after the group he was with failed to turn down their music during early-hour celebrations. Sánchez claimed he had done nothing wrong, and was only acting as spokesman for a number of players, while he also said he had gone out for a meal earlier that evening with his wife "to celebrate the championship (for Santos)" and had only drunk half a bottle of wine. Over-zealous policing or celebrity arrogance? We shall probably never know.

The draw was made this week for the fairly pointless "Superliga" tournament, to take place pre-season between Mexican and US clubs. The Mexican clubs taking part are Pachuca and Santos who face New England Revolution and Chivas USA. The other group consists of Atlante, Chivas, DC United and Houston Dynamo. Games begin on the 12th July.

Next Up
The European Championship is not the only meaningful football taking place this week. Mexico begin their Concacaf qualifiying campaign with an away game against Belize (although being played in the US for financial reasons) on Sunday afternoon.