Barca defender to make Mallorca loan move

Madrid: FC Barcelona confirmed Monday that central defender Andreu Fontas will join Spanish Primera Liga football side Mallorca on loan for the rest of the season.

Fontas underwent a medical in Mallorca Monday prior to signing the deal. The 22-year-old will provide cover for a number of long-term injuries to players in Mallorca, reports Xinhua. Mallorca sold one of their key defenders, Ivan Ramis, to Barclays Premier League side Wigan Athletic over the summer, and Coach Joaquin Caparrros also has to cope with the injuries of Jose Nunes, Antonio Lopez, Javi Marquez and Joao Victor who all suffered long term knee injuries. The fact that some of those injuries could leave the players sidelined for the entire season means the club has been given permission to make further signings even though the transfer window is officially closed. The move represents a chance for Fontas, who was promoted to the Barcelona first team last season. IANS