Morientes loaned to Monaco

Real Madrid CF's decision to loan Fernando Morientes to AS Monaco FC stood out on a hectic day of activity before the close of the UEFA Champions League transfer window at 12.00CET on Monday.

'Full of hope'
Morientes was in the crowd to watch Monaco defeat FC Metz and move top of Ligue 1 on Sunday and said: "I wish to help the team stay at the top of the standings and I hope to win a title with Monaco - they're a good team and I'm full of hope."

Nonda replacement
The 27-year-old striker, who has not been first-choice at Madrid since the arrival of Ronaldo a year ago, was viewed as a superb replacement for Shabani Nonda, who will be out for the season after damaging his knee against Paris Saint-Germain FC last week.

Ostenstad switch
Scottish champions Rangers FC have completed the signing of Norwegian striker Egil Ostenstad from England's Blackburn Rovers FC on a one-year loan. Ostenstad passed a medical to become Rangers' second signing in two days following the capture of Brazilian midfield player Emerson. "I found myself in the reserves at Blackburn and now I have the chance of playing in the Champions League so it's a great opportunity for me," he said.

Skácel signing
Another Champions League club swelling their ranks is Olympique de Marseille, who acquired Czech midfield player Rudolf Skácel from SK Slavia Praha on deadline day. The 24-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Group F hopefuls.

Outbound duo
But while Skácel arrived at the Vélodrome, the club confirmed the departures of two players - Cameroon international midfield player Salomon Olembe and French striker Cyril Chapuis - on one-year loans at Leeds United AFC.

Potillon move
Among the other key transfers was 29-year-old PSG defender Lionel Potillon's switch to Real Sociedad de Fútbol, again on a season-long loan.