Vitesse agree Yakubu loan

SBV Vitesse

Needs more games
The promising 22-year-old has made 65 appearances for Ajax, but started just four matches for the Dutch champions last season. "Yakubu didn't play enough for Ajax last season," coach Ronald Koeman said. "We think it's better for his development if he plays regularly at the highest level for a year."

Jugovic moves on
Meanwhile, former Yugoslavian international Vladimir Jugovic has left Austrian Bundesliga side VfB Admira Wacker Mödling, just ten months after joining from AS Monaco FC. The 34-year-old signed a two-year deal last summer but his contract has now been terminated by mutual consent. Jugovic, who scored three goals in 25 league appearances for Mödling, is looking to continue his career elsewhere.

Castellini captured
Real Betis Balompié have signed defender Paolo Castellini from Torino Calcio on a five-year contract. The 25-year-old left-back was due to be unveiled this evening after passing a medical. Castellini had been at Torino since 2000, but was loaned out to Brescia Calcio midway through last season, where he made 16 appearances.

Domizzi to Brescia
Brescia, meanwhile, have signed midfield player Maurizio Domizzi on loan from UC Sampdoria, with the option of permanent deal next summer. The 24-year-old, who played 17 Serie A games while on loan at Modena FC last season, becomes Brescia's fourth summer signing following Daniele Mannini, Davide Zoboli and Giuseppe Sculli.

Norwich's new boy
English Premiership newcomers Norwich City FC have signed Simon Charlton from Bolton Wanderers FC on a two-year deal for an initial fee of €375,000. Coach Nigel Worthington hopes that the 32-year-old full-back's experience will help last year's first division champions adjust to life in the top flight. "I am delighted to get a player of Simon's quality. He is a first-class professional," Worthington told the club's official website.

Spanish signings
In Spain, midfield player Iván De La Peña has signed a new three-year deal with RCD Espanyol. De La Peña joined Espanyol on loan during the 2002/03 season and subsequently signed a one-year contract in November last year. Newly promoted CD Numancia, meanwhile, have signed Juan Luis 'Juanlu' Gómez and Pablo Sanz, as well as announcing the impending arrival Juan Cruz Ochoa.

Romero deal
Juanlu, a 24-year-old left winger, arrives on a two-year deal from UD Almería, while midfield player Sanz joins from Rayo Vallecano on a one-year contract. Central defender Ochoa, is expected to arrive from Deportivo Alavés next week, while the club have also handed veteran striker Julio Pineda Romero a two-year contract with the option of a third year, after he impressed on loan from Xerez CD last term.

More appointments
Finally, PFC Cherno More Varna have appointed Bozhil Kolev, 55, as their new executive director, while 42-year-old former goalkeeper Iliya Valov is their new goalkeeping coach. Meanwhile, new coach Iliyan Iliev has yet to decide whether he will continue his playing career next season. The 36-year-old playmaker recently replaced Velislav Vutsov at the helm of the club.