Sat, Jul 11, 2009 - Page 18 News List

FEATURE : Time to bone up on Spanish, Portuguese

AP , MEXICO CITY

MEXICO

The Mexican league draws players from all over Latin America and three bear watching.

Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa is a top young goalkeeper. He debuted with Mexico City side Club America at 18 and was in the Mexico squad for the 2006 World Cup. Only 23, Ochoa is an athletic shot stopper who distributes the ball well and commands his defense with impressive maturity. Manchester United once expressed interest. More likely clubs now include Turkey’s Galatasaray, Spain’s Espanyol or French club Toulouse.

Guadalajara defender Jonny Magallon is an established Mexican international who can play at centerback or as a right-sided defender. Quick and elegant on the ball, the 27-year-old was tipped for a move to Europe earlier this year, but injury put any potential departure on hold. He has drawn interest from Bayer Leverkusen and Werder Bremen.

Wily Paraguyan defender Paulo da Silva looks certain to leave Mexico club Toluca this summer after failing to sign a new contract.

England’s Sunderland are reportedly close to signing him. Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Redknapp is also in the chase.

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