Sporting briefs

Hosogai: Hertha Berlin have continued their preparations for life in the Bundesliga with the signing of Japan international Hajime Hosogai from Bayer Leverkusen. Hertha have already snapped up Sebastian Langkamp from Aug-sburg and yesterday confirmed the acquisition of 26-year-old mid-fielder Hosogai.

Pellegrini: Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed he will leave Malaga at the end of the season. The coach has been heavily tipped to fill the vacancy left by Roberto Mancini at Manchester City and has now stated he will not be in charge of the La Liga club next season. “I’m going for sporting reasons,” he said.

Ochoa: Napoli are looking to strengthen their goalkeeping department with the signing of Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, currently on the books of Ajaccio in the French league. Reports said Napoli will be parting with Morgan de Sanctis’s stand-in, Antonio Rosati, this summer.

Alvarez: Espanyol defender Victor Alvarez is to undergo heart surgery today, the club have announced. The 20-year-old left-back was diagnosed with a problem with his aortic valve during pre-season tests last summer. Doctors cleared him to play, but the surgery to correct the problem has been planned since December. Alvarez has made 18 appearances for Espanyol this season.

Amauri: Italy striker Amauri has extended his contract with Parma, committing himself to the Serie A club until 2016. Parma announced the news via their Twitter account, with the 32-year-old now planning to end his career at the Stadio Ennio Tardini. The well-travelled forward is in his second spell with Parma, having signed from Fiorentina in 2012.

Serie B: Promotion SFs play-offs (first legs) – Brescia vs Livorno 1-1; Novara vs Empoli 1-1. Second legs will be played on Sunday.