Ajaccio lure Loko back

Former title winner
The 33-year-old, who has been in the professional game for 18 seasons, joined Lorient in June 2003 from ES Troyes Aube Champagne. Loko won the French title with FC Nantes Atlantique in 1994/95 and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1996 with Paris Saint-Germain FC. He played 27 times for his country between 1993 and 1997, scoring eight goals.

Chance for Cacá
In Portugal, AA Coimbra have taken Brazilian striker Cacá on loan until the end of the season from Spanish side Albacete Balompié. The 21-year-old only joined Albacete last summer in a three-year deal but has hardly figured so far this season. Coimbra have also signed young Portuguese forward Paulo Sérgio on loan from Sporting Clube de Portugal.

Polish landmark
In other transfer news, Górnik Zabrze have become the first Polish top-flight club to sign a Japanese player after securing the services of 20-year-old former Under-17 international forward Kimitoshi Nogawa from Brazilian second division side Atletico Londrina. Club president Zbigniew Kozminski said: "I hope Nogawa will help us reach new sponsors and more fans."

Leonardo under the knife
Meanwhile, Feyenoord forward Leonardo will undergo knee surgery in the United States next week. He will be operated on by the renowned surgeon Dr Richard Steadman, who has helped rebuild the careers of Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooij among others. The 20-year-old Brazilian tore ligaments in his knee in a match against FC Volendam in November.

Caluwé extension
Belgian midfield player Tom Caluwé has extended his contract at Dutch club Willem II until July 2007. "We consider him an important player and that is why we are glad Tom committed to us once again," said the club's technical manager Barry Hulshoff who, it was announced today, is leaving the club on 1 March.

Obodai out
AFC Ajax's Ghanaian midfield player Anthony Obodai will be out for at least six weeks and will therefore miss the resumption of the Eredivisie season. Tests have shown that the 21-year-old has damaged a ligament in his right ankle.

'Talented player'
Bundesliga strugglers FC Köln have signed versatile midfield player Albert Streit from VfL Wolfsburg on an 18-month loan. The 23-year-old agreed terms with Köln today and will start training with his new team-mates on Saturday. Wolfsburg manager Peter Pander said: "Albert Streit is a very talented player, but he needs to play regularly."

Yanev celebration
Finally, PFC CSKA Sofia and Bulgaria favourite Krum Yanev is today celebrating his 75th birthday. The Plovdiv-born forward joined CSKA from PFC Botev Plovdiv in 1950 and went on to win nine Bulgarian league titles as well as 31 international caps.