Addo closing in on comeback

BV Borussia Dortmund

DSC Arminia Bielefeld have parted company with striker Zeljko Radovic after cancelling the player's contract by mutual consent. The 30-year-old Austrian joined Arminia in the summer of 2003 and scored three goals in 22 appearances in the club's promotion-winning campaign. However, Radovic, whose contract was due to end in 2005, has not figured at all this season.

Also in the Bundesliga, VfL Bochum 1848 have tied yet another youngster to a long-term contract after reaching agreement with 18-year-old Dennis Grote. The midfield player's first professional deal is performance-related but could run until 2009 if Grote breaks into the first team.

In Italy, ACF Fiorentina striker Christian Riganò has signed a two-year contract extension committing him to the Serie A side until 2007. The 30-year-old, who struck 24 goals in Serie B last season, has recovered from the thigh injury he suffered during his top-flight debut against AS Roma last month and could be ready for the Tuscan derby against AC Siena on Sunday.

Manchester City FC have confirmed that England Under-21 midfield player Joey Barton will be sidelined until December at the earliest after undergoing knee surgery. Manager Kevin Keegan told the Premiership club's website: "It is a blow for everybody and he will be out for at least six weeks."

Belgian team KFC Germinal Beerschot Antwerpen have learned that striker Jurgen Cavens is to be ruled out for another six weeks. The 26-year-old underwent knee ligament surgery in June and although he subsequently returned to action, Cavens has been feeling pain in the affected left knee and has been ordered to rest.

Finally, Dutch outfit ADO Den Haag will be without defender Daniël Rijaard for at least four weeks. The 27-year-old, who can play in central defence or at right-back, broke a bone in his right hand in training on Monday afternoon. According to a club statement, he will be absent for a month or more.