Kristiansen coup for Nürnberg

AFC Rapid Bucuresti

German side 1. FC Nürnberg are to complete a move for Danish international defender Jan Kristiansen from Esbjerg fB. The versatile 24-year-old will join the Bundesliga strugglers subject to a medical and the rubber-stamping of personal terms. "We want him to sign a contract until summer 2008 with an option to stay even longer," said football director Martin Bader.

English Premiership club Blackburn Rovers FC have agreed to release 28-year-old striker Matt Jansen as he looks to kick-start his playing career. He has struggled to recover his best form and fitness since a motorcycle accident in 2002.

Spanish strugglers Deportivo Alavés are to sign 24-year-old Bulgaria midfielder Blagoy Georgiev on loan from PFC Slavia Sofia until the season's end, with the option of a permanent switch if the club avoid relegation from the Primera División. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder Élton Giovanni has been cleared to make his debut four weeks after arriving from Santos FC in his homeland.

Real Betis Balompié midfielder Juanlu has been loaned to second division side Albacete Balompié after failing to win a regular place since his summer transfer from CD Numancia. The 25-year-old Juanlu has made just three Primera División appearances and one in the UEFA Champions League.

Brazilian striker Jajá is poised to pen a four-year contract with Getafe CF after passing a medical at the Primera División club. The 19-year-old, who has scored ten goals in 18 games for KVC Westerlo this season while on loan from Feyenoord, is expected to complete the move to Spain tomorrow.

French side AS Saint-Etienne have signed 20-year-old Argentinian youth international Ignacio Piatti on a four-and-a-half year contract from Chacaritas Juniors. "He's a combative player who has had to fight in a second division team. He has all the spirit and skill required to strengthen our squad," St-Etienne coach Elie Baup said of the attacking midfielder.

Polish champions Wisła Kraków, who celebrate their centenary this year, have secured the services of Australian international Michael Thwaite. The 22-year-old defender has inked a five-year deal starting on 1 July. Thwaite will remain at his current club, Romania's FC National Bucuresti, until his contract expires on 30 June. "Thwaite is a very good, tall and tough player who can play anywhere across the back line," Wisła coach Dan Petrescu said.

Bulgarian champions PFC CSKA Sofia have signed Serbo-Montenegrin international goalkeeper Oliver Kovacević. The former FK Zeleznik and Samsunspor player arrives on a three-year contract and as a free agent. The 31-year-old will fill the gap left by the departure of his compatriot Dejan Maksić.

Serbo-Montenegrin midfielder Darko Anic has joined Rio Ave FC on loan from Portuguese Liga rivals CD Nacional for the rest of the season. The much-travelled 31-year-old had made just six appearances for Nacional this term.

Roda JC winger Mohammed Elberkani has left Dutch football to join K. Lierse SK of Belgium on a free transfer. The 23-year-old has not played a first-team game this term, having spent the 2004/05 campaign on loan at SC Fortuna Sittard. He has a contract until the end of the season, with the option of a further year.

Scottish Premier League team Livingston FC have acquired the services of striker Steve Hislop on a two-and-a-half year contract from English lower-league outfit Gillingham FC. "We have had a long look at Steve and believe he can add something to the team," Livingston manager Paul Lambert said of the 27-year-old.

Lee Johnson has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Heart of Midlothian FC after the Scottish title challengers agreed a nominal fee with English club Yeovil Town FC. The 24-year-old midfielder said: "Once I knew Graham Rix was interested, there was only one place I wanted to come. He has an absolutely fabulous reputation and I'm really excited about working with him."