Sporting briefs...

Savio: Real Sociedad are poised to sign Brazilian forward Savio from Flamengo after his former club Real Zaragoza said they had reduced the eight million euros penalty clause to be paid if he returned to Spain. The Primera Liga side released the former Real Madrid player at the end of last season to allow him to return to Brazil.

Cassano: Antonio Cassano looks to be a step nearer leaving Real Madrid after coach Fabio Capello refused to let the Italian striker join in a practice match at the end of a training session on Wednesday.

Barcelona: Ronaldinho and Deco have yet to appear at Barcelona training after the Christmas break. They join the lengthy list of South American-born players who have failed to turn up on time as Primera Liga clubs prepare for their first games of the year.

Rost: Schalke 04 said they had allowed reserve goalkeeper Frank Rost to join Hamburg. Only personal terms now hold up a deal worth 800,000 euros up front and a further 200,000 euros if Hamburg avoid relegation.

Tavano: Roma have signed striker Francesco Tavano on loan from Valencia for the rest of the season, the Serie A club said. The deal includes an option to buy the 27-year-old from the Spanish side for €10 million.

Kahn: Bayern Munich captain Oliver Kahn does not want to move into management when he quits at the end of next season. "When I retire, I want to take time off, just get away," keeper Kahn said.

• Brazil are to play Portugal in their first international of the year. The match will be played on February 6 at a venue to be announced, possibly London, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said. Portugal, led by former Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, beat the five-times world champions 2-1 when the sides last met in Brazil in 2003. Brazil are unbeaten in five matches under new coach Dunga, having beaten Argentina, Wales, Ecuador and Switzerland and drawn with Norway. The former world champions will take part in the Copa America in Venezuela in June.