Hannover have Clint in their eye

Hannover 96 have signed the United States international Clint Mathis on a free transfer from the New York/New Jersey MetroStars.

On trial
The 27-year-old striker, who had been on trial at Hannover's training camp in Turkey, has agreed a contract until 2006. Coach Ralf Rangnick hopes Mathis will fill the gap left by Jan Simák, who suffered a breakdown at the start of the season.

Fernández heads home
Staying in Germany, BV Borussia Dortmund have allowed defender Juan Ramón Fernández to join CA River Plate on loan until the end of the season after a series of disagreements with the player.

Fined heavily
Fernández refused to return to Dortmund at the start of this season and only changed his mind when the club moved to have a worldwide playing ban imposed on him. The 23-year-old Argentinian, who has made 14 Bundesliga appearances this season, was also fined heavily after taking an extended holiday during the winter break.

Friends reunited
In Italy, Reggina Calcio have signed defender Gianluca Comotto from Serie B side AC Fiorentina. The 25-year-old played 72 times in Serie A for Torino Calcio before joining Fiorentina last summer. Comotto will be reunited at Reggina with Giancarlo Camolese, his former coach in Turin.

Diana move made permanent
Meanwhile, UC Sampdoria have completed the permanent transfer of Aimo Diana from AC Parma for an undisclosed fee. The 26-year-old right-back, who arrived on loan in the autumn, has been an ever present in Serie A this season, scoring two goals.

New forward
Finally, NK Dinamo Zagreb have signed Ivan Bosnjak from Libyan club Al-Ittihad. The 25-year-old forward has signed a four-and-a-half year contract with the Croatian champions. Bosnjak has two international caps and has previously played for HNK Cibalia and HNK Hajduk Split.