Bursaspor continue Romanian revolution

Offer rejected
The 29-year-old had spent four years with the German club, helping them to second place in the Bundesliga last season and a UEFA Champions League berth. Following the expiry of his contract on 30 June, Ganea was offered a new deal with reduced wages at the Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion but rejected it in favour of a move to Turkey.

Hagi in charge
Bursaspor recently appointed Romanian legend Gheorghe Hagi as their coach. After signing four of his countrymen as his first act, Hagi will look to his latest recruit to score the goals that will help the club improve on last season's 15th-place finish. "I want to become a regular and be successful in the league," Ganea said.

Europe beckons
Scottish UEFA Cup qualifiers Heart of Midlothian FC have also been busy in the transfer market, snapping up versatile Australian international Patrick Kisnorbo on the back of recent moves for Dennis Wyness and Paul Hartley. The 22-year-old, who has penned a two-year contract, was thrilled at the prospect of playing in Europe. "Just to play in the Scottish league was a big incentive for me but it's better to have a chance to play in the UEFA Cup," he said.

Polish signings
Greek outfit Panionios NFC are another team to have strengthened their squad ahead of a UEFA Cup campaign, completing a move for Polish forward Arkadiusz Klimek on a free transfer. The 28-year-old scored 27 goals in 113 matches for Zaglebie Lubin prior to their relegation from the Polish top flight last term. Panonios recently signed another Pole, attacking midfield player Adam Majewski.

Loan agreed
Hearts will enter the UEFA Cup in the first round, as will SV Austria Salzburg. The club have agreed a one-year loan with FK Austria Wien for their midfield player Volkan Kahraman a year after selling him to the capital club. Kahraman hardly featured as Austria won the championship at a canter, and his employers are hoping a season at his former club will revitalise him.

Valencia favoured
Valencia CF will be among the favourites to win the UEFA Cup in 2003/04, having finished fifth in the Spanish Primera División. 'Los Ché' today recruited a player for the future, the 18-year-old AJ Auxerre striker Mohamed Lamine Sissoko. The youngster scored 50 goals in two seasons with the French club's youth team.

Domoraud staying
Another Spanish side, RCD Espanyol, have reached an agreement with AC Milan to extend the loan of French midfielder Cyril Domoraud for another season. Espanyol director Josep Lluís Marcó and Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani thrashed out the deal in an hour in Barcelona. Espanyol are hopeful Domoraud will see out next season before joining them on a full-time basis.

New boys active
Two clubs new to the French and English top flights have been active as well. Le Mans UC 72 have captured midfielder Fernando D'Amico from Lille OSC. The Argentinian has inked a three-year contract as Le Mans prepare for their first ever Ligue 1 season. Leicester City FC were relegated from the Premiership in 2002, but will return as division one runners-up. Experienced duo Brian Deane and Billy McKinlay have signed new one-year deals at the Walker's Stadium.