Football news

Italian champions Inter took Japanese defender Yuto Nagatomo on loan from Serie A rivals Cesena while sending Davide Santon in the opposite direction.

Nagatomo, 24, impressed during his country’s Asian Cup victory last month and had been at Cesena since last July.

He is Inter’s fourth signing during the transfer window, having already secured the services of Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini – who paid back part of his fee immediately with a double at the weekend – Moroccan midfielder Houssine Kharja from Genoa and another Genoa player, defender Andrea Ranocchia.

Arsenal’s Miyaichi set for Dutch spell

Arsenal have loaned Japanese striker Ryo Miyaichi to Dutch club Feyenoord after signing the teenager on a “long-term” deal.

Miyaichi, who had been playing school football in Japan, impressed Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger during a training spell with the Gunners and will now spend the rest of the season in Holland.

Wenger told Arsenal’s website. “We’re delighted that Ryo Miyaichi has joined us.

“He trialled with us in the summer and has raw ability which has attracted many clubs around the world.

“We wish him luck in Rotterdam with Feyenoord and we look forward to helping him with his continued progression when he returns to Arsenal.”

Former Wales star Savage to retire

Former Wales midfielder Robbie Savage has announced he will retire at the end of the season.

The 36-year-old began his career at Manchester United before moving on to Crewe, but made his name during a successful spell at Leicester City.

He also had spells at Birmingham and Blackburn before joining his current Championship club Derby in 2008.

Savage, who won 39 caps for Wales, wrote on micro-blogging website Twitter: “Breaking news I will retire at the end of the season!!”

Poland to tag hooligans for Euro

Poland plans electronic tags for its convicted football hooligans to lower the risk of trouble at Euro 2012, Justice Minister Krzysztof Kwiatkowski said yesterday.

Kwiatkowski told reporters the measure would apply on match days to individuals who have already been banned from the country’s stadiums due to hooliganism.

“The current requirement to check in at a police station will be replaced with one to remain at home, monitored by an electronic tag,” he explained.

The measure, which could be brought in by early 2012, must still be approved by Poland’s cabinet and parliament.

Amauri hopeful after Parma move

Brazilian striker Amauri is confident his loan move to Parma will help him rediscover his best form this season.

The towering forward joined the Gialloblu on deadline day after Juventus opted to part ways with him before securing the services of Alessandro Matri from Cagliari.

Interviewed in Tuttosport, Amauri said: “I am enthusiastic about this chance.

“I hope that the unlucky period, which has influenced my first half of the season, finally ends.

“What upsets me the most in leaving Juventus is not being able to show what I am worth. But I will rise again at Parma.”

Tottenham’s King faces surgery

Tottenham’s defensive problems continue to mount with the news that captain Ledley King is to undergo an operation on his groin today as manager Harry Redknapp admitted he is “nowhere near” being able to play.

The 30-year-old has been bedevilled by injuries in recent years, particularly to his knees, undertaking a limited training programme in order to manage the problem.

The news comes as a blow to Redknapp, who is already without the suspended Michael Dawson and injured Younes Kaboul and William Gallas at the back. He is likely to be forced to rush Jonathan Woodgate, who has suffered groin problems of his own, back into action.

Redknapp said: “Ledley will have an operation. He is nowhere near ready to play.”

Five bids for Roma ownership

The owners of Roma are considering five bids for the ownership of the Serie A team, according to the latest reports in Italy.

Rothschild, the bank charged with finding a buyer for the club, presented UniCredit and the Sensi family with their findings on Monday night.

A statement released to the stock market confirmed that negotiations are finally underway to sell Roma after a particularly drawn out process.

Though a lot of speculation has so far focused on a bid lodged by an American consortium with Thomas Di Benedetto at the helm, there is a rival offer from the Middle East.

Aabar, an investment fund, from Abu Dhabi has also reportedly made an offer worth €150 million.