Polak going home to Den Haag

FC Twente left-back Sjaak Polak has agreed to join ADO Den Haag in the summer on a free transfer.

Returning to home city
The 28-year-old will be returning to the city of his birth on 1 July, having signed a three-year contract. Polak, who joined Twente from SC Excelsior in the 2000/01 season, said: "The moment you are asked as a Den Haag-born player to play for ADO Den Haag, then the choice is easy. It is a club with a real English atmosphere."

Nieuwenburg out again
Elsewhere in the Eredivisie, AFC Ajax midfield player John Nieuwenburg is out for six to eight months after ligament surgery in his left knee. The 25-year-old only returned to training two weeks ago after previous knee operations. "I thought I was fully fit again, but together with the doctor we came to the conclusion the left knee was much too unstable," he said. "So now I have a synthetic ligament in the left knee, just as in my right knee." His Ajax contract expires this summer, but he is not planning to retire.

Yanovski move
FC Alania Vladikavkaz have signed midfield player Igor Yanovski on loan from PFC CSKA Moscow for the 2004 Russian Premier League season. Yanovski still has two years left on his CSKA contract but the reigning champions' new coach, Artur Jorge, has decided he is surplus to requirements. "We prefer young players with potential, and every year some players join the club and some leave - that's life," Jorge said.

Barmby joins Forest
Former England midfield player Nicky Barmby has left Premiership side Leeds United AFC for first division Nottingham Forest FC on a one-month loan. Forest manager Joe Kinnear said of the 30-year-old: "I am delighted to have a player of Nicky's quality on board with us. He has got a great pedigree and he is enthusiastic to play for Nottingham Forest. He has played for some great clubs and his record of international appearances speaks for itself." Meanwhile, Leeds' shares have been suspended on the London Stock Exchange pending a possible takeover.

New Varteks chairman
Tomislav Kezelj has been elected chairman of Croatian club NK Varteks. Kezelj was the only candidate and replaces Davor Darabos, who resigned due to business reasons. "We are going to face a turbulent period and I know it is not going to be easy," said Kezelj, a local businessman. "But I expect everything soon will be fine."