Arsenal make room for Poom

Lengthy lay-off
The 33-year-old Poom, who has just returned from a serious knee injury, has earned a loan to Arsenal until January 2006, with the possibility of a permanent transfer after that. He will provide cover for Jens Lehmann, who is suspended for Arsenal's first two UEFA Champions league group-stage games at home against FC Thun on 14 September and away to AFC Ajax a fortnight later.

Promising defender
Meanwhile, 20-year-old defender Hoyte will spend the 2005/06 campaign at Sunderland on loan. An English Under-21 international, he can play anywhere across the back four although his preferred position is at right-back. Hoyte has been allowed to leave with England centre-half Sol Campbell returning to fitness at Highbury.