Fiorentina make Anderson acquisition

UEFA Europa League contenders ACF Fiorentina have signed Brazilian midfielder Anderson on loan from Manchester United FC until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old former Grêmio FBPA and FC Porto player joined United in 2007, helping his new side win the UEFA Champions League during his first term in England. Capped eight times by Brazil, he scored five goals in 104 Premier League games with United, but has started just twice in the league for David Moyes's men this season.

"I'm very happy to be here," said Anderson. "I was very happy at United as well, a big club and I have been there for seven years so I have many friends there, but now it's a new challenge and I think it was the right time for a change. I'm here to do my best and help my coach and my team-mates. Last year Fiorentina just missed out on UEFA Champions League qualification, now I'm here to help the side to qualify this time around."

Fiorentina have also recruited goalkeeper Antonio Rosati on loan from SSC Napoli for the remainder of the campaign. The 30-year-old spent the first half of 2013/14 on loan at US Sassuolo Calcio, playing twice in Serie A.

The Viola, who also loaned forward Alessandro Matri from AC Milan earlier this week, are fourth in Serie A and will face Esbjerg fB in the UEFA Europa League round of 32, with the first leg in Denmark on 20 February.