No De Gea but transfer market closes with last minute deals in Spain

Although Real Madrid's failure to sign Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea was the biggest story on the last day of the transfer market in Spain, several other important deals were pushed though on the last day clubs were able to buy players before January.

Perhaps the most noteworthy deal sees winger Joaquin Sanchez return to Betis, where he began his career, from Italian club Fiorentina.

The capture of Joaquin was consolation for Betis fans who nevertheless saw how Villarreal were quicker off the mark to sign their other transfer target, Adrian Lopez. Adrian moves to Villarreal on a loan deal from Portuguese side, Porto.

Madrid based outfit Rayo Vallecano were also active on the last day of the transfer window, landing the signatures of winger Pablo Hernandez and striker Javi Guerra.

Former Spain international Hernandez returns to Spain following a brief spell in Qatar, while Guerra, who spent part of last season on loan from Malaga, joins from Cardiff City.

Midfielder Izat, Hajrovic arrived on loan at Eibar, who have signed him for a year from Werder Bremen, while the Basque club saw Javi Erraso leave to go and play in Italy.

Granada signed left back Neuton on loan from Udinese, who have the same owners as the Spanish club, while Sevilla brought in Marco Andreolli from Inter Milan.

These last minute deals helped to lift the total summer spending in Spain to 558 million euros (around 610 million US dollars), although players were sold to a value of 401 million euros.

The biggest spenders were Atletico Madrid, who spent 120 million euros, Valencia 137 million euros and Real Madrid (81million euros). Endi